Nextchem, the technology arm of the MAIRE Group, has reportedly been awarded a contract to license its NX STAMI Urea technology for a urea plant in China with a capacity of 3,150 tonnes per day (MTPD). The award was reported on September 30, 2026 by fertilizer trade media. The counterparty was described only as “a prominent international player,” and its name has not been disclosed.
According to the reports, the scope covers the technology license, a PDP (Process Design Package) and the supply of key proprietary equipment designed by Nextchem. The technology is NX STAMI Urea in an ULE (Ultra-Low Energy) design. It is based on technology from Stamicarbon, Nextchem’s nitrogen technology licensor, and is reported to use high-pressure steam with a pool reactor configuration.
Urea is a leading nitrogen fertilizer produced by reacting ammonia with carbon dioxide, and the process is known to consume a large amount of steam. Energy efficiency is therefore one of the main criteria when selecting urea technology. The specific location in China, the construction schedule and the contract value have not been disclosed.
The plant capacity is reported at 3,150 MTPD, which would equal roughly 1.04 million tonnes per year assuming 330 operating days (the operating-day assumption is our own calculation, not a published figure). Reported performance figures include a 35% reduction in steam consumption and a 16% reduction in cooling water use compared with conventional urea processes. The contract value and the target completion date have not been confirmed.
China is regarded as one of the world’s largest urea producers and consumers, and demand for energy-saving technology in new and revamped plants is reported to continue.
The award suggests that low-energy designs from Western-linked urea licensors are still being selected in the Chinese market, and that competition among urea licensors is increasingly centered on energy efficiency. Lower steam and cooling water consumption reduces operating costs and is tied to lower carbon emissions, which is relevant for fertilizer producers facing regulatory pressure. Bundling a license with key equipment supply gives the technology provider an equipment revenue opportunity and gives the owner a clearer performance guarantee scope. Because the counterparty and location are undisclosed, the actual project structure and start-up timing will need to be confirmed through follow-up announcements.
First, whether the counterparty and plant location are disclosed. Second, whether the selection of an EPC contractor and the start of basic design are announced. Third, how the reported 35% steam reduction is verified once the plant is in operation. Fourth, whether similar low-energy technologies are adopted in other urea projects in China.