Suiso, a pioneering South African company specialising in blue ammonia production, has announced a groundbreaking R31.5 billion ($1.7 billion) investment in a coal-to-fertiliser facility in Kriel, Mpumalanga. The ambitious project, aimed at bolstering food security and sustainable energy solutions, is set to transform South Africa’s agricultural and economic landscape.
Founded in 2019 by four visionary entrepreneurs, Suiso is committed to responsible resource management and advancing energy-efficient solutions. The Kriel project will not only contribute to South Africa’s agricultural sector but also significantly reduce reliance on imported fertilisers. By producing 1.5 million tons of nitrogen-based fertilisers annually, Suiso will replace the country’s 1.2 million tons of imported urea fertilisers, ensuring stability in supply and saving valuable foreign exchange.
With construction scheduled to begin in 2026, the project is expected to generate 4,000 jobs during its development phase and create 981 permanent positions once operational in 2029. To enhance workforce capabilities, the onsite Gerhard Potgieter Engineering Training College will train and upskill 400 individuals, fostering a skilled labour force in the region. These initiatives align with Suiso’s commitment to local economic empowerment and sustainable industrial growth.
Suiso’s investment is backed by businesswoman and former Miss South Africa, Basetsana Kumalo, as a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) partner. The company has also forged strategic collaborations with global industry leaders such as Sinopec Ningbo Engineering, Stamicarbon, and ETG. Through these partnerships, Suiso is ensuring excellence in production and distribution, with ETG set to supply the fertilisers across Africa, reinforcing food security across the continent.
The facility will incorporate advanced decarbonisation and carbon capture technologies to align with South Africa’s environmental policies. It will also produce 234,000 tons of clean, zero-sulphur blue methanol annually, supporting the country’s transition under the pending Fuel Act of 2027. Additionally, Suiso’s innovative PurActive-coated fertilisers are expected to enhance crop yields by up to 5%, further supporting agricultural productivity.
As part of its long-term sustainability goals, Suiso is engaged in discussions for a 15-year renewable energy power purchase agreement. By reducing logistical costs through its inland operations and leveraging cutting-edge carbon management technologies, the company is setting new benchmarks in sustainable industrial operations.
“This is more than a fertiliser project,” says Suiso founder Paul Erskine. “It’s a commitment to South Africa’s economic empowerment, food security, and sustainable development. With global partnerships, innovative technologies, and a focus on community upliftment, we are set to redefine the agricultural and economic landscape of the sub-continent.”
As Sub-Saharan Africa faces the challenge of increasing global food production by 60% by 2050, projects like Suiso’s Kriel facility are critical in securing long-term agricultural sustainability and economic resilience. By leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to responsible resource management, Suiso is poised to make a lasting impact on the region’s food security and industrial growth.
I would like to know on what name suiso listed on JSE, because i want to be part of the programme since i have passion in agriculture