Arkema and Nutrien agree US supply of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride for Calvert City
- Arkema will invest US$150 million in a 40 kt/year anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) plant at Nutrien’s Aurora, North Carolina site.
- The plant is scheduled to start up in the first half of 2022 under a long‑term supply agreement.
- About half the AHF will be used for high‑value polymers at Arkema’s Calvert City (KY) site; the remainder will supply low‑GWP fluorogases.
- AHF will be produced from fluoride recovered from Nutrien’s phosphate process rather than mined fluorspar, reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and improving supply security.
Deal and supply use
Arkema signed a long‑term supply agreement with Nutrien for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF). Approximately half of the AHF will feed high‑added‑value polymers and fluoro‑derivatives at Arkema’s Calvert City (KY) site, and the remainder will be used to produce low‑GWP fluorogases.
Investment and schedule
Arkema will invest US$150 million in a 40 kt/year AHF production unit located at Nutrien’s Aurora, North Carolina site. The plant is scheduled to start up in the first half of 2022 and the agreement includes a long‑term supply contract.
Process and environmental impact
The AHF will be produced using fluoride recovered from the phosphate feedstock Nutrien already uses in its processes, replacing the more common source of mined fluorspar. Arkema says this approach reduces overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and is the first of its kind in the United States.
Strategic rationale
The partnership aims to secure competitive, stable AHF supply amid tensions in mined fluorspar and AHF markets, and to support growth of fluoropolymers in water treatment, electronics (including 5G) and batteries. Arkema notes the project aligns with its strategy presented on April 2 and strengthens the long‑term competitiveness of its emissive fluorogases.
Source: arkema.com
