Worley, a global engineering leader based in Australia, is set to kick off the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase for a $7 billion green ammonia project in Morocco’s Tarfaya region in the third quarter of 2024. This ambitious project, spearheaded by OCP Group—one of the world’s largest phosphate and fertilizer companies—marks a significant step towards sustainable industrial growth.

Project Scope and Vision

The Tarfaya project is positioned to be the world’s first Power-to-X green ammonia program, featuring extensive infrastructure including hydrogen and ammonia plants, a 2.8GW wind farm, a 1GW solar PV power plant, and 2.7GWh of battery storage. The entire operation, which spans over 100,000 hectares, will be powered by renewable energy sources, underscoring OCP Group’s commitment to sustainability.

“Delivery is being led by JESA, a joint venture between OCP Group and Worley,” stated the company’s Annual Report. “Worley’s team is executing the FEED. Work will commence in September 2024 and when complete, will progress to engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM).”

Green Growth and Carbon Neutrality Goals

This project is a cornerstone of OCP Group’s broader green growth program, which includes a global investment of about $12 billion over the 2023-2027 period. The program is designed to expand mining and fertilizer production capabilities while achieving full carbon neutrality by 2040.

“The Tarfaya project will help OCP, which is one of the biggest importers of ammonia in the world, reinforce its domestic supply chain,” noted Reuters in June 2023. The ammonia produced will be used to create green fertilizers, supporting OCP Group’s aim to enhance its market leadership sustainably.

Future Developments

Upon completion, the Tarfaya facility is expected to produce one million tonnes of green ammonia per year, with the potential to increase output to three million tonnes annually by 2032. Moreover, a new city is planned to accommodate the project’s workforce and their families, reflecting the long-term commitment to community development.

In addition to the Tarfaya project, Worley and JESA are also advancing the Jorf Hydrogen Project (JH2P), another key green hydrogen initiative that will power an industrial-scale green ammonia plant. The FEED for JH2P is slated to begin in November 2024, with completion expected in 2026.

By pioneering these projects, Worley and OCP Group are setting a precedent for sustainable industrial practices, aligning with global shifts towards greener energy solutions.