THIS UPDATE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO SITE MEMBERS
Cronus Chemicals has awarded the EPC contract for its 2,300 metric ton per day ammonia plant in Tuscola, IL.
Tag: Cronus Chemicals
Cronus: new capacity, schedule, and a quasi-contract
THIS UPDATE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO SITE MEMBERS
In August 2017, Cronus Chemicals announced that its proposed greenfield in Tuscola, IL, is still moving forward, with a shiny new agreement with an EPC firm, as well as a revised project scope (more ammonia, less urea), and a more realistic schedule.
Unfortunately, while this was widely reported as being a major step forward, there's a world of difference between an agreement with an EPC firm and an actual EPC agreement.
Pipeline of new ammonia plants (2017 update, part 1)
I've published recent updates on four greenfield nitrogen plants that hope to break ground in 2017, potentially adding 1.8 million tons of ammonia capacity in the US.
The project pipeline is long, however, and others are making progress too. This article provides updates on another four projects that, together, could add more than 4 million tons to North American ammonia capacity through 2022.
Ammonia plants in the pipeline. Will they, won’t they?
While we wait for the current slate of new ammonia plants to start up this year, here's a reminder of the projects that are still in development across North America.
More than a dozen major ammonia plants are in various stages of planning or financing. None of these have started construction yet. Some have been stuck in limbo for years, while others keep making progress. The project pipeline represents a potential investment of over $20 billion and additional ammonia capacity of more than 9 million tons per year.
Obviously, not every project will move ahead - in fact, conventional wisdom says none will - but new trends are emerging that may influence their success or failure.
A list of the biggest projects follows below, summarizing their evolving costs, pushed-back schedules, and changing EPC contractors.
Cronus announces EPC, technology vendors
Maire Tecnimont announced today that it had signed a MOU "which will be converted into an EPC contract," to build Cronus Chemicals' ammonia-urea greenfield in Tuscola, IL.
The press release reveals that the project cost has gone up slightly, and the schedule has been pushed back further than previously announced. It also confirms ammonia and urea technology vendors.
Project Cronus confirms location: Tuscola, Illinois
Cronus Chemicals has selected an Illinois site for its greenfield urea plant, outside Tuscola in Douglas County. Updated project information is at my page for Cronus Chemicals.
Greenfield progress in Tennessee, Indiana, and Illinois (all about water)
Summary of recent progress at greenfield sites, part two.
Cronus Chemicals – getting its ducks in a row
There’s still no confirmed location for the proposed $1.2 billion Project Cronus greenfield – it could be Illinois or Iowa – but new records shed light on a few details. Read more
Tuscola, IL — Cronus Chemical
UPDATED: 10/02/2018 — see Change Log
OWNER: Cronus Fertilizers (Cronus Chemicals LLC)
PROJECT: Greenfield ammonia plant
SUMMARY STATUS: Financing phase
In October 2018, Cronus announced that it had awarded an EPC contract, with revised project scope. Awaiting financial close, before construction can begin; no groundbreaking yet. In August 2017, Cronus had also announced a reconfigured project, with a reduced capacity, lower capex, and a more realistic schedule. Also in 2017, its original air permit expired, after many extensions, and Cronus must now apply for and receive a new air permit before construction can begin. This project has been repeatedly postponed over the years.