Effects of increased energy costs on fertilizer production costs and technology

This could be considered to be an almost negligible amount until the actual quantities in the United States alone are considered, i.e., an estimated 1.9 quadrillion Btu (1.99 x 10E15) for fertilizer production out of a gross consumption of about 75 quadrillion Btu (75 x 10E15)/year (12). World production of fertilizers outside the United States increases this energy consumption by another 8 to 10 quadrillion Btu/year. Clearly, the magnitude of energy consumption by the fertilizer industry warrants a detailed energy evaluation of the processes involved and of both near-term and far-term (10-year) possibilities of reducing these requirements by substitution of fuel or feedstocks, processes or other products to increase energy efficiencies. This evaluation of the energy requirements of the fertilizer industry was made under the sponsorship of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (Industrial Projects Department). The fertilizer processes described have been chosen as representing the most widely adopted processes for the production of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash, the three primary plant nutrients. A brief description of each process is included to identify the major energy-consuming unit operations within each process.