Italy’s Maire SpA reported that its Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) business unit headed by NextChem has been awarded licensing and equipment supply contracts for an “Ultra Low Energy” (ULE) urea plant in China and a pre-feasibility green ammonia study for “a major fertilizer producer” in the Middle East.
The contracts in China were awarded by Shandong Lianmeng Chemical Co. for a plant with capacity of 2,334 mt/d in Shouguang, in Shandong province, Maire announced on Oct. 23. Maire said the urea plant will be the eighth global facility that utilizes the proprietary ULE design licensed by Stamicarbon, NextChem’s nitrogen technology licensor (GM April 21, p. 29).
According to Maire, the ULE design allows a 35% reduction in steam consumption and a 16% decrease in cooling water use, “making its energy savings unparalleled in the market.”
Maire did not disclose the Middle East fertilizer producer, but said STS under the pre-feasibility study will define the process configuration for a 450 mt/d green ammonia plant based on Stami Green Ammonia proprietary technology.