India’s ageing ammonia plants  need upgradation, says industry body FAI

NEW DELHI, Jun 4:  The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) has called for greater operational efficiency and technological innovation in ammonia production, given India’s heavy dependence on imported natural gas, which accounts for nearly 77 per cent of the sector’s feedstock requirements.

Speaking at a group discussion on “Operation and Maintenance Problems of Ammonia Plants” in Durgapur, West Bengal, FAI Director General Suresh Kumar Chaudhari said that while the industry had commissioned several state-of-the-art ammonia plants in recent years, a significant number of facilities had been operating for 25–50 years.

These ageing units, he said, require continuous upgradation, innovation and best practices to maintain high levels of efficiency and safety, the industry body said in a statement.

“Ammonia production is one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes and remains central to the entire nitrogen value chain. Continuous improvements in plant operations, maintenance practices and energy efficiency are critical not only for improving competitiveness but also for strengthening India’s fertiliser security,” Chaudhari said.

India currently operates 36 ammonia plants with a combined installed capacity of nearly 19 million tonnes, making operational reliability and energy efficiency essential for sustaining domestic fertiliser production.

Natural gas is a primary raw material (feedstock) for ammonia production.

Chaudhari noted that the fertiliser industry had reduced greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 50 per cent over the last four decades through technology adoption, process improvements and energy conservation measures – positioning it among the country’s most efficient industrial sectors.

The event saw participation of about 50 senior engineers and technical professionals drawn from 25 ammonia plants across 19 locations. Senior leaders from Matix Fertilisers & Chemicals, HURL, IFFCO and NFL also took part.

The programme included a technical visit to Matix Fertilisers’ facility at Panagarh, giving participants first-hand exposure to modern plant operations and maintenance practices.

FAI regularly organises such technical forums to promote operational excellence, improve plant performance and support the long-term sustainability of India’s fertiliser sector. (PTI)