Two leading Russian fertilizer producers, Uralkali (Berezniki) and Uralchem (Moscow) have agreed to acquire a controlling share in Fertilizantes Heringer (Sao Paulo, Brazil), now under bankruptcy protection. Fertilizantes Heringer, one of the largest fertilizer players in Brazil, said today that the two Russian firms would buy shares for 2 reais ($0.48) each in a deal that would result in a capital increase of up to $115 million.
The Russian firms signed a letter of intent on 21 September, and the deal is now subject to approvals, including by antitrust authorities. Signing of definitive documents is subject to negotiation of agreements and other documents on terms and conditions acceptable to both parties, Fertilizantes Heringer says.
Uralchem is a shareholder in Uralkali. Dmitry Mazepin, chairman of the board of directors of Uralchem, a producer of nitrogen and complex fertilizers, is also the deputy chairman of Uralkali, a major producer of potash fertilizers.
Earlier this year, Fertilizantes Heringer decided to close several of its plants and distribution centers as part of a restructuring plan to lower debt. The company, until then, operated 16 plants producing fertilizers from imported raw materials and one sulfuric acid plant.
By Natasha Alperowicz
Source: Chemical Week
France has launched an offshore green hydrogen production platform at the country’s Port of Saint-Nazaire this week, along with its first offshore wind farm. The hydrogen plant, which its operators say is the world’s first facility of its type, coincides with the launch of another “first of its kind” facility in Sweden dedicated to storing hydrogen in an underground lined rock cavern (LRC).
The project sets up the Hydrogen Valley in Rome, the first industrial-scale technological hub for the development of the national supply chain for the production, transport, storage and use of hydrogen for the decarbonization of industrial processes and for sustainable mobility.
At first glance, hydrogen seems to be the perfect solution to our energy needs. It doesn’t produce any carbon dioxide when used. It can store energy for long periods of time. It doesn’t leave behind hazardous waste materials, like nuclear does. And it doesn’t require large swathes of land to be flooded, like hydroelectricity. Seems too good to be true. So…what’s the catch?
