KBR awarded FEED contract by KEPPT for ammonia-urea plant in Iraq, supporting local agriculture, employment, and fertilizer self-sufficiency.
KBR has secured a front-end engineering design (FEED) contract for a major fertilizer production facility in Iraq. The project, commissioned by KAR Electrical Power Production Trading FZE (KEPPT), will involve the development of an integrated ammonia and urea production complex located in Basra, a region strategically important for Iraq's industrial development.
As part of this agreement, KBR will deliver FEED services for two key units: an ammonia production plant with a capacity of 2,300 metric tons per day (MTPD) and a urea production unit capable of generating 3,850 MTPD. These designs will incorporate KBR’s proprietary ammonia process technology, renowned for its energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and robust operational performance. The application of this advanced technology is aimed at minimizing capital expenditures (capex) while optimizing the project timeline, aligning with KEPPT’s broader objectives for cost-effectiveness and fast-track development.
Jay Ibrahim, President of KBR’s Sustainable Technology Solutions division, expressed pride in contributing to this transformative initiative. “We are honored to support this pivotal project, which monetizes gas feedstock to boost the agricultural industry in Iraq,” Ibrahim stated. He further emphasized that the project reflects KBR’s leadership in ammonia technology and its extensive expertise in delivering successful FEED solutions. According to him, the facility will not only stimulate job creation but also reduce Iraq’s reliance on imported fertilizers, ultimately enabling the country to reestablish itself as a competitive player in the global ammonia market.
The project is expected to have far-reaching impacts beyond industrial production. By utilizing Iraq’s abundant natural gas resources as feedstock, the initiative supports sustainable development goals while enhancing food security through increased local fertilizer availability. The plant’s construction and operation will provide significant employment opportunities, both directly and through the supply chain, and contribute to the long-term economic development of southern Iraq.
KBR has a well-established track record in the fertilizer and chemicals sector. The company has been involved in the licensing, engineering, design, or construction of over 260 ammonia plants worldwide, earning it a reputation for reliability and innovation in large-scale chemical processing projects. The new Basra facility represents a continuation of KBR’s strategy to support energy and industrial infrastructure in emerging markets through sustainable technology solutions.
By bringing advanced design practices and proven process technologies to Iraq’s fertilizer sector, KBR and KEPPT are working to strengthen the country’s agricultural base and reduce import dependency, while also opening pathways for Iraq to become a regional exporter of ammonia-based products.
