Hyderabad, Telangana – April 30, 2024: Coromandel International, a leading fertilizer producer in India, announced a significant investment of ₹1,000 crore (US$1.4 billion) to establish a phosphoric acid-sulphuric acid complex in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. This project aligns with the government’s vision of self-sufficiency in the fertilizer sector.
Boosting Backward Integration and Production Capacity
The proposed 650 tonnes per day (tpd) phosphoric acid facility will utilize advanced dihydrate attack-hemihydrate filtration (DA-HF) process technology and an automated DCS control system. This investment will enhance Coromandel’s backward integration strategy, ensuring a consistent supply of phosphoric acid for fertilizer production and reducing reliance on imports by over 50%.
A Strategic Expansion
The new plant, with around two million tonnes capacity, will be India’s second-largest phosphatic fertilizer facility. This expansion is expected to contribute nearly 15% of the nation’s NPK fertilizer output. Additionally, a 1,800 tpd sulphuric acid plant will be established to meet the captive needs of phosphoric acid production and generate power through waste heat utilization.
Alignment with Government Goals
This project aligns with the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative to achieve self-sufficiency in critical sectors like fertilizer production. It is also expected to create employment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.
Technological Advancements
Last week, Coromandel secured partnerships with leading technology providers:
- Prayon, Belgium – for DA-HF process technology in phosphoric acid manufacturing
- MECS, USA – for DCDA process technology in sulphuric acid manufacturing
- ThyssenKrupp UHDE – for detailed engineering of both phosphoric acid and sulphuric acid projects
A Step Towards Self-Sufficiency
Coromandel’s investment in this new fertilizer plant signifies a positive step towards India’s goal of self-sufficiency in fertilizer production. By utilizing advanced technologies and strengthening backward integration, Coromandel is poised to play a vital role in ensuring a stable supply of essential fertilizers for the nation’s agricultural sector.