The Silicon Review ^Asia

Uzbekistan’s Joint Stock Company Uzkimyosanoat in a recent press meet has stated that the urea production has begun at the new, $985 million ammonia and urea production complex at Navoiyazot. Navoiyazot is one of Uzbekistan’s largest chemical plants and produces mineral fertilizers by processing natural gas. Construction of the new, world-class complex began in September 2016 to replace two outdated and energy inefficient facilities.

The new complex has capacity to produce 660,000 tonnes of ammonia and 577,500 tonnes of urea, Uzbekistan’s Energy Ministry said, adding that 330,000 tonnes of ammonia will be used to produce new urea and 330,000 tonnes to produce ammonium nitrate. When at full production capacity, the complex will expand Uzbekistan’s domestic chemical production by 9.5% provide annual revenue of 600 billion.

Completion of the plant will meet domestic agriculture demand for urea and provide up to 100-150 kg/ha of additional mineral fertilizers during agro technical periods for grain and cotton crops. Production will also be exported to neighboring countries in Central Asia as well as Turkey, Ukraine, and Georgia. This world-class industrial facility is another step towards natural gas monetization via the production of export oriented and high value-added products – and the first urea production is a milestone achievement.