KBR has been selected by ORNX Green Hydrogen to deliver pre-front-end engineering and design (Pre-FEED) services for a planned world-scale, low-cost ammonia project in Morocco’s Laâyoune region, backed by funding from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

 

The project is targeting annual production of approximately 560,000 metric tons of low-cost ammonia, powered by around 900 MW of electrolyzer capacity. The development will combine renewable power generation, hydrogen production and ammonia synthesis in a single large-scale platform, leveraging Laâyoune’s abundant renewable resources and strategic access to port infrastructure.

 

KBR will provide technology licensing and Pre-FEED services, building on its earlier role in supporting ORNX’s engagement with USTDA and its successful application for grant funding.

 

"KBR is proud to support ORNX and USTDA on this important low cost ammonia initiative in Morocco," said Jay Ibrahim, President, Sustainable Technology Solutions, KBR. "As a global leader in ammonia technology, KBR is uniquely positioned to help developers accelerate project maturity, optimize plant performance and reduce execution risk. This award reflects the strength of our integrated approach and our commitment to enabling the energy transition through scalable, commercially viable solutions."

 

The project is designed to support Morocco’s renewable energy and hydrogen ambitions while creating a large-scale, export-oriented source of low-carbon ammonia for international markets.

 

Demand for low-carbon ammonia is growing across the fertilizer, maritime and industrial sectors, while Morocco has positioned hydrogen and its derivatives as a strategic growth opportunity and continues to attract investment in large-scale renewable energy developments.

 

"We are very grateful to KBR for its considerable support in working with USTDA to reach this important milestone for our ammonia project in Laayoune” said Peter A. Gish, President and CEO of ORNX. 

 

“This funding will ensure the successful completion of the pre-FEED studies lead by world-renown KBR, together with a consortium which includes GE Vernova, Electric Hydrogen and Terabase. We look forward to working closely with our partners as we accelerate towards the FEED and Final Investment Decision for our project."