Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, presided over the signing of three pivotal agreements on Monday that will help Abu Qir Fertilizers adopt greener technologies and improve operational efficiency. The agreements, which align with Egypt’s broader environmental and economic goals, focus on reducing emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and incorporating sustainable energy solutions.
Green Hydrogen to Replace Natural Gas in Fertilizer Production
The first of the three agreements was signed between Abed Ezz El Regal, Chairman and Managing Director of Abu Qir Fertilizers, and Bjorn Q Aaserod, CEO of American firm MPS. Under the terms of the agreement, MPS will supply green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis powered by renewable energy, to Abu Qir Fertilizers.
The green hydrogen will be used to partially replace natural gas in the company’s ammonia production process. The collaboration will take place within the Abu Qir Fertilizers industrial area, leveraging existing infrastructure and available space. The transition to green hydrogen is expected to reduce natural gas consumption and significantly lower carbon emissions, helping the company meet European Union regulations, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Additionally, the project aims to boost the production capacity of the Abu Qir Ammonia Plant (1).
ABB and MPS Partner to Implement Energy-Efficient Solutions
In a second agreement, Ahmed El Sherbiny, Vice President of ABB Group for Power Industries, Automation, and Digital Solutions, partnered with MPS to enhance the energy efficiency of Abu Qir Fertilizers. The agreement, witnessed by Ibrahim Makki, Chairman of the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEMC), focuses on advanced automation and digital solutions.
The collaboration aims to optimize energy resource utilization, reducing energy consumption and further lowering emissions in line with global sustainability goals.
New Automated Control System to Cut Natural Gas Use at Abu Qir Ammonia Plant
A third agreement between Ahmed El Sherbiny of ABB and Abed Ezz El Regal will see the installation of an advanced automated control system at Abu Qir’s Ammonia Plant (1). This system is designed to reduce natural gas consumption by 2-4% for steam boilers and enhance the plant’s overall operational efficiency. Plans are also in place to extend this technology to the company’s other plants, (2) and (3), as part of its long-term sustainability strategy.
Commitment to Sustainability and Global Competitiveness
Abed Ezz El Regal emphasized that these strategic agreements are integral to strengthening Abu Qir Fertilizers’ position as a leader in the nitrogen fertilizer sector. The adoption of green technologies is expected to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance the company’s competitiveness in global markets by offering low-carbon, environmentally friendly products.
He added that the company’s continued commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies will support Egypt’s national economic goals, promote sustainable development, and solidify the standing of Egyptian products in international markets.
