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PORT ARTHUR — Plans to construct an ultra-low-carbon ammonia production facility in Port Arthur were announced Tuesday morning.

Led by 8 Rivers Capital, the announcement boasts a site expected to bring in more than $1 billion in investment to the region and create more than 1,000 new construction jobs from 2024 to 2027.

“Jefferson County has a deep, rich history as the energy capital of the United States. The Cormorant Project is another chapter in this history; one that will bring jobs and economic development to Port Arthur and the county,” said Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick.

“Port Arthur is a key intersection of energy and transportation in the Gulf Coast, and the Cormorant Project is a natural and welcome fit.”

8 Rivers Capital leaders describe the company as a world-leading decarbonization technology developer.

The local effort is the Cormorant Clean Energy Project, which will be powered by 8 Rivers’ proprietary 8RH2 hydrogen process, representing the first commercial deployment of the technology, company leaders say.

Cormorant officials say the effort will produce an estimated 880,000 tonnes of ammonia and capture more than 1.4MM tonnes of CO2 annually, with a >99% CO2 capture rate.

They describe 8RH2 as an ultra-low-carbon hydrogen process that harnesses oxy-combustion to eliminate CO2 emissions and lower costs.

At Cormorant, hydrogen produced by 8RH2 will be turned into ultra-low-carbon ammonia that can be used for transportation, industrial processes, agriculture and more.

Cormorant’s strategic location in the U.S. Gulf Coast region enables the project to leverage existing infrastructure, a skilled workforce and the region’s commitment to the energy transition.

“The Cormorant Clean Energy Project is the ideal location to deploy our 8RH2 platform commercially, at scale for the first time,” said Steve Milward, Chief Operating Officer at 8 Rivers.

“Clean fuels like hydrogen and ammonia are paramount to the energy transition, and the Gulf Coast region’s rich history of industrial manufacturing and transportation makes it the perfect environment to demonstrate the game-changing potential of this technology. We’re grateful to be working with local officials to develop and deploy this project and build a clean energy workforce that will sustain the region’s growth for years to come.”