After more than a decade of navigating planning and permitting hurdles, a monumental project is finally breaking ground in Illinois. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced that Cronus Chemicals will begin construction on a massive $2 billion ammonia fertilizer plant near the town of Tuscola. This long-awaited development is being hailed as a transformative victory for the state’s agricultural sector, promising to reshape the fertilizer supply chain for farmers across the Midwest. The facility represents a significant step toward agricultural independence and economic stability for a region that is the backbone of American farming.
A Game-Changer for Illinois Farmers
For years, Illinois farmers have been at the mercy of volatile global markets, facing high tariffs and unpredictable input costs that have squeezed their incomes. Consequently, the new Cronus Chemicals plant is seen as a powerful solution to these challenges. By producing a reliable, local source of ammonia fertilizer, the facility will provide farmers with more stable and affordable access to a critical component of crop production. Additionally, this move is expected to insulate them from international supply chain disruptions and price shocks, ultimately strengthening the entire agricultural economy of the state and ensuring that Illinois remains a leader in food production.
CF Industries to Build $4B Ammonia Production Facility in Ascension Parish
Bolstering America’s Food Security
Beyond its regional impact, the Tuscola plant plays a crucial role in a much larger national strategy. The United States currently relies heavily on foreign sources for nitrogen fertilizer. This is a vulnerability that has become increasingly apparent in recent years. Cronus Chemicals CEO Erzin Atac highlighted this dependency, noting that the nation imports more than 2 million tons of ammonia annually. The new facility, with its projected output of nearly 1 million short tons per year, will directly counter this reliance. As a result, this project is not just about agriculture; it is a strategic move to enhance America’s food security and reduce its dependence on foreign imports for essential resources.
Behind the Big Price Tag
The story behind the Cronus Chemicals plant is as impressive as its price tag. The facility set on a 230-acre site, will take approximately 3 ½ years to complete. Its location in Tuscola is highly strategic, as it sits near the Tuscola-Cabot pipeline, providing direct and efficient access to natural gas, the primary feedstock for ammonia production. Furthermore, the project is a massive job creator, projected to generate over 2,000 construction jobs during its build phase and create around 175 permanent, high-paying positions once operational. The plant has a special design that will allow it to produce “ultra-low-carbon” ammonia. This positions it at the forefront of modern, more environmentally conscious manufacturing. The project, however, is only the second largest under construction by price in the United States. The first is the CF Industries plant which will be the world’s largest low-carbon ammonia production facility in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.
Cronus Chemicals Illinois Project Factsheet
Project: A new ammonia fertilizer plant by Cronus Chemicals.
Location: Near Tuscola, Illinois.
Investment: $2 billion.
Timeline: Construction is starting now after over a decade of planning.
Completion: Expected to be operational in approximately 3.5 years.
Capacity: Will produce nearly 1 million short tons of ammonia annually.
Local Impact: Aims to provide Illinois farmers with more affordable and reliable fertilizer.
National Impact: Will significantly reduce U.S. reliance on imported fertilizer.
Jobs (Construction): The project will create over 2,000 construction jobs.
Jobs (Permanent): It will establish around 175 permanent, high-paying positions.
Site Details: The plant will cover a 230-acre area.
Key Advantage: Strategically located near a natural gas pipeline for efficient production
