December 06, 2024

Yara starts production of renewable-based ammonia in Brazil

The first in Brazil, Yara now produces ammonia made from renewable biomethane and has already delivered the first tonnes of lower carbon product to its customers.
Yara Industrial Solutions plant in Cubatão, Sao Paolo, Brazil
Yara Industrial Solutions plant in Cubatão, Sao Paolo, Brazil

A purified biogas made from sugarcane waste, biomethane can seamlessly replace fossil natural gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%. 

Decarbonizing food and industrial value chains 

This achievement demonstrates Yara’s commitment to decarbonizing the food and industrial value chains as the company progresses toward carbon neutrality by 2050. 

"This is a significant step in building renewable-based value chains across sectors and industries, from food and mining to on-and off-shore transport,” says Marcelo Altieri, President of Yara Brazil. “For agribusiness the impact is huge. By integrating this new generation of lower carbon fertilizers into our agronomic expertise, we offer farmers greater value while unlocking new markets and revenue streams. In coffee farming alone, we anticipate a reduction of up to 40% in the carbon footprint of harvested beans,” he adds.

UltrAN Ammonium Nitrate in Yara Industrial Solutions Plant, Cubatão, Sao Paolo, Brazil

Cubatão, Sao Paolo: Leading Brazil’s energy transition 

Yara’s Industrial Complex in Cubatão, the largest consumer of natural gas in São Paulo and Brazil’s leading ammonia producer, is now fully equipped to operate with biomethane. 

“Cubatão is now positioned to lead Brazil’s energy transition,” says Daniel Hubner, Senior Vice President at Yara Industrial Solutions. “By leveraging biomethane, Brazil can transform its vast organic waste into a valuable resource, accelerating the transition to a fair, efficient, and sustainable energy model.”  

Hubner also highlights the importance of collaboration: “Brazil has the potential to be a global leader. To realize this, we must scale renewable solutions, create incentives, and foster public-private partnership to make these innovations accessible and impactful.” 

Looking ahead, Yara plans to expand its portfolio to include products utilizing carbon capture and storage (CCS). This initiative underscores Yara’s leadership in driving industrial decarbonization and supporting sustainable growth in Brazil and on the global stage. 

As the company approaches its 120th anniversary next year, its enduring mission to feed the world and protect the planet continues to guide its strategy and innovations. 

About Yara 

Yara's mission is to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. We pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth through reducing emissions from crop nutrition production and developing low-emission energy solutions. Yara’s ambition is focused on growing a nature-positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain. 

To drive the green shift in fertilizer production, shipping, and other energy intensive industries, Yara will produce ammonia with significantly lower emissions. We provide digital tools for precision farming and work closely with partners at all levels of the food value chain to share knowledge and promote more efficient and sustainable solutions. 

Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industry’s only global crop nutrition company. With 18,000 employees and operations in more than 60 countries, sustainability is an integral part of our business model. In 2023, Yara reported revenues of USD 15.5 billion. 

www.yara.com

Media contact:

Sigurd E. Jørgensen                                                                                           
Yara Industrial Solutions                                           
E-mail: sigurd.engevik.jorgensen@yara.com                           
Mobile: + 47 977 06 434