Nextchem, through its nitrogen technology licensor Stamicarbon, has secured a Licensing and Process Design Package (PDP) contract from US-based integrated chemistry company AdvanSix for a new urea-to-Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) facility in Hopewell, Virginia.
The project will feature a 700 short tons per day (STPD) nameplate urea melt plant using Nextchem’s NX STAMI Urea technology, fully integrated with a DEF production system designed to convert 100% of the urea melt directly into DEF.
According to the companies, this marks a first-of-its-kind application for Stamicarbon, with all urea output dedicated exclusively to DEF production.
The contract remains subject to a Final Investment Decision and Notice to Proceed, expected in the first half of 2027.
The award highlights accelerating global demand for DEF, driven by tighter emissions regulations and the wider adoption of advanced exhaust after-treatment systems. It also underscores how nitrogen-based technologies are increasingly being repurposed beyond traditional fertilizer markets to support cleaner transport solutions.
Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director of Nextchem, commented: “This award confirms the strength and versatility of our nitrogen technology portfolio, which is increasingly finding applications beyond traditional fertilizer utilizations.
"By leveraging our proprietary NX STAMI Urea technology, we are proud to support the development of emission reduction solutions for the mobility sector such as DEF, while further strengthening Nextchem’s presence in North America.”
Erin Kane, President and CEO of AdvanSix, commented: “As a US manufacturer, AdvanSix is uniquely situated to enable reliable, domestic supply to meet growing demand in a market currently served by production from other regions and imports.
"Our integrated ammonia platform provides us with the core capability to build a new, differentiated, high-value offering to meet market demands in the DEF value chain.”
