The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed an agreement on July 28 in Laayoune with the US-Morocco joint venture ORNX to fund preparatory work for the construction of an ammonia plant in the disputed territory of Western Sahara, USTDA's press service announced.
Once operational, the plant is expected to produce 560,000 tons of ammonia annually.
"USTDA signed an agreement with the US joint venture ORNX to fund a front-end engineering and design study to support a large-scale ammonia production facility in the southern provinces of Morocco using US technology," the statement read.
According to the release, the study will be conducted by a consortium of US companies to assess electrolyzer technology for determining the efficiency of green ammonia production. The study will also evaluate power supply options, determine optimal sizing and configuration of plant components, and prepare detailed financial projections and business models.
"The approval of this grant for the ORNX ammonia project in Laayoune underscores the strategic importance of US investment in Moroccan Sahara. ... There is more to come in this critical region," said US Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan III.
Earlier in July, US President Donald Trump stated that a 1,055 km highway in Western Sahara would be named after him.
In August of last year, Trump reaffirmed Washington's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.
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