KBR Reviews Development of Blue Ammonia Plant in Iraq

The National Investment Commission (NIC) held an extensive meeting with KBR on March 4, 2025, to explore the development of Iraq's first blue ammonia plant in Basra.

According to the UK's Royal Society, 'blue ammonia' is ammonia produced using 'blue hydrogen', i.e. hydrogen produced by steam methane reforming (SMR) where the carbon dioxide has been captured and stored.

Chaired by Dr. Haider Mohammed Makia [Makiyya], the meeting focused on the technical and economic aspects of the project, which aligns with global carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to ensure environmental sustainability.

Dr. Makia emphasized the project's role in Iraq's clean energy transition and industrial investment growth, highlighting its potential to create new job opportunities and position Iraq as a regional hub for sustainable industries.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Muna Sabah Al-Jabari, Chair of the Renewable Energy Technical Committee, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Industry and Minerals, Higher Education and Scientific Research, NIC, and the Scientific Research Authority.

Discussions covered technology integration, compliance with global carbon reduction standards, and KBR's international expertise in similar projects.

The blue ammonia plant, which would be the third of its kind in the region, is expected to bring economic and environmental benefits to Iraq.