Texas’ largest blue ammonia site breaks ground in Beaumont

OCI NV celebrated the beginning of construction at its Beaumont facility on Dec. 7, marking the genesis of the largest blue ammonia facility of its kind in Texas, enabling the capture and sequestration of up to 1.7 million metric tons per year of CO2.

Southeast Texas elected officials and dignitaries joined the groundbreaking event, offering commentary and appreciation for a project expected to facilitate new jobs, as well as a large capital commitment to the region.

According to company specifications, the total investment cost for OCI is expected to approach the $1 billion mark, which will include spending on upsized utilities and available land to allow for doubling to 2.2 mtpa capacity in the future.

Blue ammonia, as touted by OCI, “will build on OCI’s existing US nitrogen and methanol facilities, while supporting food security, US energy independence and contributing to Texas’ objectives of building a clean energy hub.”

The Beaumont facility will support approximately 60-80 new full-time jobs, as well as around 1,000 construction jobs at the peak of site construction. Site preparation work is near complete, construction activities are commencing and the air permit has been received; the company anticipates completion of the project in 2025.

The project’s site is adjacent to OCI’s existing integrated 1.4 million metric ton per year methanol-ammonia production facility in Beaumont and 1.8 million metric ton per year 50%-owned methanol joint venture, Natgasoline.

“We are delighted that OCI is expanding its already significant presence in Southeast Texas, a region which, as a clean energy leader and with its strategic location, plays a key role in the growing low-to-zero carbon hydrogen industry and is one of the best places globally to invest in this area,” Nassef Sawiris, Executive Chair of OCI N.V. said. “We look forward to continuing our partnerships with Jefferson County, the city of Beaumont, Beaumont ISD, the special districts, and the state of Texas.”

OCI is also continuing its investments in the future talent of the area. OCI recently announced a $200,000 donation to the Beaumont Independent School District to develop opportunities to expand STEM education for students, continuing its long-term partnership with the school district.