CF Industries, in partnership with JERA and Mitsui, has officially committed to building the world’s largest low-carbon ammonia production facility in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. The landmark $4 billion project located in proximity to Modeste on the parish’s west bank will lead the world in its role in the market for ammonia by producing approximately 1.4 million metric tons each year of ammonia and then shipping it to foreign export markets.
The plant will utilize the most advanced carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology, reducing its carbon footprint considerably compared to conventional means of ammonia production. The blue ammonia process is seen as a major step towards clean energy because the nitrogen and hydrogen composition of ammonia does not release carbon when burned, and therefore it is an environmentally friendly fuel source.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The plant will create 103 good-paying, permanent jobs directly at the facility, and LED forecasts a total of 414 new jobs taking into account indirect job opportunities in the larger region. Governor Jeff Landry emphasized the economic significance, claiming that the project aligns with the vision of the state to announce $50 billion of new investment in the summer months and, through doing so, reassert Louisiana as a burgeoning hub of business and innovation.
In addition to the direct and indirect job benefits, LED has offered CF Industries a competitive incentive package, including a $6 million performance-based grant for development and infrastructure costs, workforce training through LED’s FastStart, and eligibility for both the Industrial Tax Exemption Program and the Quality Jobs program.
Innovative Technology and Partnerships
The world’s largest low-carbon ammonia facility in Ascension Parish is also distinctive in its pioneering use of carbon reduction technologies. The carbon captured during the production of ammonia will be stored by 1PointFive, an Occidental subsidiary, as the company seeks to reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities. The collaboration between CF Industries, Entergy Louisiana, and other regional stakeholders will ensure a cleaner energy future while stimulating economic growth in the Capital Region.
Phillip May, President and CEO of Entergy Louisiana, expressed his excitement about the project, noting the critical role of strong partnerships in advancing global energy technologies and creating economic opportunities locally. “We’re not only fueling innovation,” May said, “but we’re also building a more sustainable future for our communities and our customers.”
Read also: US$28 billion CP2 LNG project given the greenlight by DOE, Louisiana
Community and Regional Support
Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment praised CF Industries for its unwavering commitment to the community, as the investment by the company in the parish is proof of a shared vision for a prosperous future. This project further establishes Ascension Parish as a place of choice for industrial investment.
A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
This ammonia plant of world scale is a benchmark in CF Industries’ commitment to creating sustainable industrial processes. During the duration of the project, the plant will not only provide global energy demand but also contribute to the state of Louisiana’s greater effort to be at the forefront of new energy solutions.
The $4 billion project, first floated in 2022, has the potential to make Louisiana a key production hub for low-carbon ammonia, driving environmental and economic growth.
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CF Industries Ammonia Production Facility in Ascension Parish: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: Ascension Parish, Louisiana (west bank near Modeste)
Investment: $4 billion
Partners: CF Industries, JERA, and Mitsui
Production Capacity: 1.4 million metric tons of low-carbon ammonia annually
Status: Officially committed, following initial announcement in 2022
Technology & Environmental Impact
Implements advanced carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology
Carbon captured during production will be sequestered by 1PointFive (Occidental subsidiary)
Blue ammonia process significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to conventional methods
Creates environmentally sustainable fuel source as ammonia releases no carbon when burned
Economic Benefits of CF Industries Ammonia Facility in Ascension Parish
Direct Jobs: 103 permanent, high-paying positions
Total Impact: 414 new jobs including indirect employment opportunities
Contributes to Louisiana’s goal of $50 billion in new investments
Positions Louisiana as a global hub for low-carbon ammonia production
Incentives Package
$6 million performance-based grant for infrastructure and development
Workforce training through LED FastStart
Participation in Industrial Tax Exemption Program
Quality Jobs program benefits
Read also: CF Industries Plans $2B Low-Carbon Ammonia Plant in Ascension Parish, Louisiana
