LAT Nitrogen Linz and SKW Piesteritz partner with KBR to modernise ammonia units
- SKW Piesteritz will increase energy efficiency of ammonia unit No. 2 to cut specific energy consumption by about 10%.
- LAT Nitrogen Linz will modernise the reforming section of ammonia unit No. 2 by installing a KBR KRES reactor to significantly reduce natural gas use.
- Both projects aim to reduce primary energy consumption and related CO₂ emissions.
- Contractual documentation for the joint approach was signed at the end of September 2026 after aligning on commercial, technical and legal issues.
Scope of the projects
LAT Nitrogen Linz and SKW Piesteritz engaged KBR to explore modernisation options for their ammonia plants in Linz, Austria, and Wittenberg, Germany. SKW Piesteritz focuses on a comprehensive upgrade of ammonia unit No. 2; LAT Nitrogen's work targets the reforming section of its ammonia unit No. 2 through installation of a KBR KRES reactor.
Expected impacts
The SKW Piesteritz revamp is expected to reduce specific energy consumption by approximately 10% versus current performance. The KRES reactor at LAT Nitrogen is projected to deliver a significant reduction in natural gas consumption. Both projects are positioned to lower primary energy use and the associated contribution to CO₂ emissions.
Collaboration and timeline
Because the projects share similar timelines and commercial, technical and legal issues, the project teams adopted a joint approach to streamline preparation and contractual work. The combined contractual documentation was finalised and signed at the end of September 2026. The work also illustrates intra-group cooperation within AGF Nitrogen.
Source: AGF Nitrogen