Tokyo-based INPEX, Paris-based Air Liquide, Oklahoma City-based LSB Industries, and Houston-based Vopak Moda Houston, have agreed to collaborate on the pre-FEED for the development of a large-scale, low-carbon ammonia production and export project on the Houston Ship Channel, US.
If the development proceeds, the project’s first phase is targeted to produce more than 1.1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of low-carbon ammonia by the end of 2027, with options for future expansions.
The parties completed a feasibility study on the project earlier this year and the preferred facility’s location on the Houston Ship Channel, the second largest petrochemical corridor in the world, leverages existing infrastructure assets.
Vopak Moda has invested in storage and handling infrastructure for bulk liquid products and currently operates an ammonia terminal that includes storage tanks and a newbuild dock with multiple deep-water berths.
INPEX representative director, president and CEO Takayuki Ueda says: ‘As we approach the achievement of our net zero target by 2050, the unveiling of our low carbon ammonia project in Texas, USA, stands as a momentous testament to INPEX’s strong commitment to environmental leadership.’
‘We believe the unbeatable combination of project expertise, technology, off-taker relationships and market credibility position Vopak Moda, Air Liquide, INPEX and LSB to be first movers for a new wave of low-carbon energy exports,’ adds Maria Ciliberti, Vopak President US and Canada, and Moda Midstream co-founder and CEO Jonathan Ackerman released a joint statement about the project.
Adam Peters, CEO of Air Liquide North America, says: ‘We are proud to contribute our hydrogen production expertise and portfolio of sustainable technologies in order to produce low-carbon hydrogen to support decarbonization of industrial markets. Together with our customers, we can reduce carbon emissions in industrial basins and advance toward a more sustainable future.’
