State-owned energy firm Qatar Energy has broken ground on its QAR 4.4 bn (c. USD 1.2 bn) blue ammonia plant in Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC), according to a press release. The plant — initially scheduled for completion by 1Q 202 — is now set to begin operation by 2Q 2026.

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In numbers: The plant will produce up to 1.2 mn tons of blue ammonia annually and includes a carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility able to capture some 1.5 mn tons of CO2 per year.

Who’s involved? ThyssenKrupp and Consolidated Contractors Company are building the facility, while Qatar Fertiliser (QAFCO) is set to be the operator. QatarEnergy Renewable Solutions will also develop and manage the CCS facility and will supply the plant with 35 MW of power from its solar PV plant in MIC.

A quick recap: ‘Blue’ ammonia serves as feedstock for hydrogen. Although not as environmentally friendly as ‘green’ ammonia, it’s still seen as a source of clean energy. Unlike conventional production, blue ammonia involves the use of carbon capture, which stores the CO2 underground and prevents its release into the atmosphere. Ammonia has a range of other uses, including powering ships and producing fertilizer.

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