EGYPT – Italian engineering group Maire Tecnimont has announced that its subsidiary, Stamicarbon, a leading licensor in nitrogen technology, has secured a key contract to upgrade and expand the urea plant of El Delta Company for Fertilizer and Chemical Industries in Talkha, Egypt.
The contract, awarded for licensing and the Process Design Package (PDP), will significantly boost the facility’s production capacity, marking a milestone in Egypt’s fertilizer production capabilities.
The Maire Tecnimont group, listed on the Milan stock exchange, is recognized for its expertise in petrochemicals and fertilizers.
Stamicarbon, its subsidiary, has a long history of providing licensing and technology to the urea industry, helping companies improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The plant’s urea production is set to increase from 1,725 metric tonnes per day (mtpd) to 2,250 mtpd, employing Stamicarbon’s cutting-edge ultra-low energy design.
The new system will enable a 35% reduction in steam consumption and a 16% decrease in cooling water use by optimizing the utilization of high-pressure steam, which will now be reused three times instead of the conventional two.
This innovation will result in considerable energy savings and operational efficiency, positioning the facility among the most advanced in the region.
Moreover, the contract includes the license and design of a new urea granulation unit with a capacity matching the expanded production of 2,250 mtpd. Granulation is crucial for producing market-ready urea in the form of small pellets or granules, which are easier to store and transport.
The expansion of the El Delta plant is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to enhance its domestic fertilizer production capacity in line with rising global demand.
Egypt has long been a major player in the global urea market, thanks to its rich natural gas reserves.
With demand for fertilizers on the rise due to population growth and agricultural intensification, the upgrade of the El Delta plant strengthens Egypt’s position as a leading urea exporter, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.
Recent reports from the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) indicate that global urea demand is expected to grow by 2-3% annually through 2025, driven by food security concerns, and increased investment in agricultural production.
This project thus comes at a critical time when the balance between energy efficiency and production output is becoming increasingly important in global fertilizer manufacturing.
The technology licensed by Stamicarbon is also expected to reduce the plant’s carbon footprint, aligning with global trends of energy transition and sustainability. According to Maire Tecnimont, the project represents a forward-looking investment for both the company and the Egyptian fertilizer industry.
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