CF Industries and JERA Announce Joint Development Agreement to Develop Greenfield Low-Carbon Ammonia Production Capacity in the United States

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CF Industries and JERA have signed a joint development agreement to explore greenfield low-carbon ammonia production in the US. The agreement aims to build a 1.4 million metric ton capacity plant at CF Industries' Blue Point Complex in Louisiana. JERA plans a 48% ownership stake and to procure over 500,000 metric tons of low-carbon ammonia annually for Japan. The project targets production commencement in 2028 to support decarbonization goals.

Environmental Sustainability Analyst

The partnership between CF Industries and JERA is a strategic move with environmental and economic implications. By investing in low-carbon ammonia production, CF Industries seeks to capitalize on the anticipated global demand for green energy sources. Ammonia, traditionally used in fertilizers, is emerging as a potential hydrogen carrier and fuel due to its energy density and ease of transport. This project aligns with global decarbonization efforts, positioning CF Industries as a pioneer in the green energy space. JERA's goal to replace coal with low-carbon ammonia in its power plants presents a market shift that could influence energy industry trends. Investors with an interest in sustainable energy and long-term growth should monitor subsequent developments, such as regulatory incentives and technological advancements, that can impact project feasibility and profitability.

Energy Sector Analyst

JERA's commitment to acquire a substantial share of the project’s low-carbon ammonia production is a significant indicator of the Japanese market's direction towards clean energy. The adoption of ammonia as an alternative to coal in thermal power generation could set a precedent in the energy sector, potentially leading to similar initiatives worldwide. The transition to low-carbon fuels also offers diversification in energy supply chains, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. Stakeholders should consider the implications of such a project on global coal demand and the competitive landscape of energy production, while also weighing the risks associated with pioneering green technologies in terms of cost and scalability.

Financial Investment Analyst

The financial scope of this joint venture holds promise for future earnings potential, considering the sizeable investment and the projected production capacity of 1.4 million metric tons of low-carbon ammonia. The strategic distribution of ownership with JERA holding a 48% stake provides insight into the potential revenue streams and cost-sharing framework of the venture. For investors, the timeline to production in 2028 suggests a long-term horizon for returns, necessitating a careful analysis of the project's capital expenditures, operational costs and the evolving landscape for government incentives supporting low-carbon technologies. Shareholder value will hinge on the project's execution and the market's reception of low-carbon ammonia as a viable alternative fuel.

NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CF), the world’s largest producer of ammonia, and JERA Co., Inc. (JERA), Japan’s largest energy company, today announced that they have executed a joint development agreement (JDA) to explore the development of greenfield low-carbon ammonia production capacity at CF Industries’ Blue Point Complex in Louisiana.

The JDA will guide JERA and CF Industries’ evaluation of a joint venture agreement to build an approximately 1.4 million metric ton capacity low-carbon ammonia plant. JERA is contemplating a 48% ownership stake in the project as well as an agreement to procure more than 500,000 metric tons of low-carbon ammonia annually to meet demand for low-carbon fuels in Japan. JERA and CF Industries previously had signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a potential joint project development and sales and purchase of low-carbon ammonia. JERA and CF Industries aim to reach a final investment decision on the proposed project within a year for commencing production in 2028.

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with JERA as our companies advance leading-edge decarbonization initiatives that will help JERA and Japan achieve their decarbonization goals,” said Tony Will, president and chief executive officer, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. “We believe that JERA’s projects, which represent the first meaningful volume of what we believe will be substantial global demand for low-carbon ammonia as an energy source, will demonstrate the significant contribution ammonia can make to meet the decarbonization goals of hard-to-abate industries. We look forward to continuing to work closely with JERA and other stakeholders in Japan as regulatory requirements and government incentives regarding low-carbon ammonia are finalized.”

“We are pleased to further advance our partnership with CF Industries,” said Yukio Kani, Global CEO & Chair, JERA. “Finding cutting-edge solutions to the world's energy issues requires commitment and partnership. With JERA's dedication to low carbon fuel development and CF Industries' expertise as one of the leading ammonia producers, we are confident in making tangible progress towards realizing a low-carbon ammonia value chain, and ultimately ensuring a decarbonized energy supply that is sustainable, affordable, and stable."

JERA intends to replace coal with low-carbon clean ammonia in its existing thermal coal power plants to reduce CO₂ emissions. JERA is currently conducting the world’s first commercial-scale demonstration test of fuel ammonia substitution (20% of heating value) at its Hekinan Thermal Power Station.

About CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

At CF Industries, our mission is to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably. With our employees focused on safe and reliable operations, environmental stewardship, and disciplined capital and corporate management, we are on a path to decarbonize our ammonia production network – the world’s largest – to enable green and low-carbon hydrogen and nitrogen products for energy, fertilizer, emissions abatement and other industrial activities. Our manufacturing complexes in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, an unparalleled storage, transportation and distribution network in North America, and logistics capabilities enabling a global reach underpin our strategy to leverage our unique capabilities to accelerate the world’s transition to clean energy. CF Industries routinely posts investor announcements and additional information on the Company’s website at www.cfindustries.com and encourages those interested in the Company to check there frequently.

About JERA

Established in 2015, JERA is an equal joint venture of two major Japanese electric power companies, TEPCO Fuel & Power Incorporated and Chubu Electric Power Company and produces about 30% of all electricity in Japan. JERA is an energy company with global reach that has strength in the entire energy supply chain, from participation in LNG upstream projects and fuel procurement, through fuel transportation to power generation. JERA, which stands for Japan’s Energy for a New Era, is taking on the challenge of achieving net zero CO2 emissions from its domestic and overseas businesses by 2050 and is supporting an energy transition in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. For more details: https://www.jera.co.jp/en/.

Cautionary Statement

All statements in this communication by CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), other than those relating to historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by their use of terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will” or “would” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. These statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about strategic plans and management’s expectations with respect to the production of green and low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia, the development and implementation of the low-carbon ammonia project with JERA in a timely or economic manner, the development of carbon capture and sequestration projects, the transition to and growth of a hydrogen economy, greenhouse gas reduction targets, projected capital expenditures, statements about future financial and operating results, and other items described in this communication.

More detailed information about factors that may affect the Company’s performance and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements may be found in CF Industries Holdings, Inc.’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including CF Industries Holdings, Inc.’s most recent annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, which are available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s web site. It is not possible to predict or identify all risks and uncertainties that might affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and, consequently, our descriptions of such risks and uncertainties should not be considered exhaustive. There is no guarantee that any of the events, plans or goals anticipated by these forward-looking statements will occur, and if any of the events do occur, there is no guarantee what effect they will have on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and future prospects. Forward-looking statements are given only as of the date of this communication and the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240417260747/en/

Media

Chris Close

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

847-405-2542 – cclose@cfindustries.com

Investors

Darla Rivera

Director, Investor Relations

847-405-2045 – darla.rivera@cfindustries.com

Source: CF Industries Holdings, Inc

FAQ

What is the joint development agreement between CF Industries and JERA about?

The joint development agreement aims to explore the development of greenfield low-carbon ammonia production capacity at CF Industries' Blue Point Complex in Louisiana.

What is the capacity of the low-carbon ammonia plant being considered in the agreement?

The agreement targets building an approximately 1.4 million metric ton capacity low-carbon ammonia plant.

What is JERA's ownership stake in the proposed project?

JERA is contemplating a 48% ownership stake in the low-carbon ammonia plant project.

How much low-carbon ammonia does JERA plan to procure annually?

JERA plans to procure more than 500,000 metric tons of low-carbon ammonia annually to meet demand for low-carbon fuels in Japan.

When do JERA and CF Industries aim to reach a final investment decision on the project?

JERA and CF Industries aim to reach a final investment decision within a year for commencing production in 2028.