KBR Selected for Pre-FEED Study of 560,000-Tonne Low-Carbon Ammonia Project in Morocco
KBR has been selected by ORNX Green Hydrogen to provide technology licensing and pre-front-end engineering design (Pre-FEED) services for a large-scale low-cost ammonia project planned for the Laâyoune region of Morocco.
The project is expected to produce approximately 560,000 metric tonnes of ammonia per year and use around 900 MW of electrolyser capacity. It will integrate renewable power generation, green hydrogen production and ammonia synthesis into a single large-scale platform.
The Pre-FEED study is being supported by funding from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), with KBR having supported ORNX in its engagement with the agency and the successful grant application that secured funding.
The development is expected to take advantage of Morocco’s abundant renewable energy resources and strategic access to port infrastructure, creating the potential for an export-oriented supply of low-carbon ammonia to international markets.
The project is also intended to support Morocco’s wider ambitions for renewable energy, hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels. Low-carbon ammonia is expected to serve potential demand across the fertiliser, maritime and industrial sectors as global markets seek alternatives to fossil-based fuels and feedstocks.
KBR will work with ORNX and a consortium that includes GE Vernova, Electric Hydrogen and Terabase during the Pre-FEED phase. The companies will focus on advancing the project’s technical definition ahead of the FEED stage and eventual Final Investment Decision.
Jay Ibrahim, President of Sustainable Technology Solutions at KBR, said the company is positioned to help developers accelerate project maturity, optimise plant performance and reduce execution risk through its ammonia technology and engineering expertise.
ORNX President and CEO Peter A. Gish said the USTDA-supported work will enable completion of the Pre-FEED studies and help the project progress towards FEED and a Final Investment Decision.
KBR said its ammonia technology has been deployed across more than 260 grassroots, revamp and expansion projects worldwide. The company provides ammonia technologies for both conventional and lower-carbon production routes.
The Morocco project adds another large-scale development to the growing pipeline of renewable hydrogen and low-carbon ammonia projects targeting international markets, with the next major milestones expected to be completion of Pre-FEED, progression to FEED and ultimately a Final Investment Decision.
