Plans abandoned for $1.3 billion fertilizer plant in Spiritwood

As first reported by the Jamestown Sun, NextEra Energy Resources has abandoned its $1.3 billion fertilizer plant project in Spiritwood, North Dakota. Their decision was rooted in unfavorable market conditions and changes to federal hydrogen production tax credits that reduced production recognition from 100% to 50%. The project would have used wind power and electrolysis to produce fertilizer from carbon dioxide emissions from local facilities. North Dakota had set aside a $125 million forgivable loan for the project, which was never paid out. Rep. Mike Brandenburg (R-Edgeley) confirmed federal policy changes killed the project. Despite this setback, NextEra has invested nearly $4 billion in North Dakota energy infrastructure over two decades and continues to pursue other projects in the state.