thyssenkrupp Uhde has successfully commissioned the start-up of a cutting-edge hydrogen recovery unit (HRU) at the Fertil plant in Ruwais, United Arab Emirates.

The scope of work included engineering, procurement and site supervision during installation and start-up of the units.

After the plant revamp and successful commissioning of the hydrogen recovery unit, the unit is now in operation. The plant will have a capacity of 2,120 metric tons (MTPD) of ammonia per day. The Hydrogen Recovery Unit (HRU) enables advanced hydrogen recovery from the ammonia synthesis purge gas, allowing for increased feedstock utilization and a 6 percent increase in ammonia output. thyssenkrupp Uhde successfully completed the plant start-up, demonstrating exceptional safety awareness and capability in managing complex implementation during live operations.

This milestone project represents a major step toward more sustainable and energy-efficient production of ammonia. At the same time, it contributes to a meaningful reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per ton of ammonia produced – supporting Fertiglobe’s strategic goal to reduce its carbon footprint and improve overall plant efficiency.

The new Hydrogen Recovery Unit, along with an extended ammonia recovery unit, was installed while the plant was in full operation, demonstrating outstanding coordination and engineering capabilities. All tie-ins were carefully engineered and installed in advance to ensure smooth and safe integration without interrupting running plant operations.

Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde: “We are proud to contribute to Fertiglobe’s ammonia capacity increase. This cutting-edge hydrogen recovery technology marks a significant step through a more resource-efficient production. By delivering innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions combined with our implementation expertise, we create sustainable alternatives for our customer, to set new CO2-reduction standards.”

Ahmed El-Hoshy, CEO of Fertiglobe: “The new hydrogen recovery unit designed by thyssenkrupp Uhde and successfully commissioned by both companies, thyssenkrupp Uhde and Fertil, marks a milestone in our journey towards our Manufacturing Improvement Plan (MIP) focused on increasing production and energy efficiency. The project delivers an annual IRR on investment of over 25 %, increasing ammonia production by up to 6 % while reducing CO2 emissions, and aligns well with our commitment to fostering sustainable growth. We are grateful for the seamless cooperation that made this achievement possible during ongoing plant operations.”

The plant is owned by Fertiglobe, a global leader and exporter of urea, ammonia and an early mover in sustainable ammonia.