By : Nedal Zubeidi
Jordan Daily – Arab Potash Company (APC) CEO, Dr. Maen Nsour, underscored the need for a balanced, data-driven strategy to navigate the dual challenges of food security and the global energy transition at the Argus Fertilizer Europe Conference held in Athens.
The event, organized by commodity market information provider Argus, attracted industry leaders and policymakers to discuss the evolving fertilizer sector amid new European regulations and increasing demand for sustainable practices.
During a panel with global fertilizer industry executives, Dr. Nsour emphasized the importance of strategic policy formulation rooted in scientific analysis to address real-world challenges in the sector. He outlined a comprehensive vision to secure food supplies while fostering innovation in fertilizer production, specifically through the development of low-carbon technologies aimed at reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.
Nsour pointed to the growing importance of understanding customer readiness for the energy transition, stressing that companies need to gauge the willingness of consumers and entrepreneurs to adopt more sustainable practices. “Building solid partnerships with customers would be essential and that ongoing, constructive dialogue would help align proposed solutions with sustainability goals while meeting customers’ needs during this transition,” Nsour noted.
One of the key issues raised by Nsour was the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). He highlighted potential risks for the fertilizer industry, such as higher production costs and pressures on agricultural sectors in developing countries. While Nsour praised CBAM’s goals, he called for careful monitoring to ensure the mechanism doesn’t undermine the competitiveness of European sector.
Nsour also warned about the unintended consequences of the energy transition for Europe’s fertilizer production, cautioning that over-reliance on external suppliers could threaten food security if local production is shuttered. “There’s a real risk of carbon leakage, where production shifts to regions with less stringent emissions standards,” Nsour said, urging policymakers to create balanced regulations that consider both sustainability and food security.
He stressed the need for entire value chains- from raw materials to distribution networks- to adapt to new EU sustainability regulations, which require significant financial and technological investment.Flexibility and innovation being essential to navigating the changing regulatory landscape,” Nsour said, adding that research collaboration with academic institutions will play a key role in developing the necessary solutions.
Highlighting APC’s efforts, Nsour presented the company as a model for emissions reduction, citing initiatives that have cut energy consumption and increased the use of renewable energy, enabling APC to stay competitive in international markets while responding to energy transition demands.
Looking ahead, Nsour called for stronger public-private partnerships to develop strategies that ensure both fertilizer sector sustainability and global food security, emphasizing the importance of political and regulatory support in encouraging innovation and investment in clean technologies.
“Energy transition is not a challenge for the fertilizer industry but an opportunity to reshape the industry’s future to meet both environmental and economic needs through balanced, science-based solutions.”Nsour concluded, urging stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the complex issues facing the sector.”All stakeholders-producers, customers, regulators, and researchers-must work together to overcome obstacles.”
Founded in 1956, Arab Potash Company is a leading producer of potash, with significant operations contributing to Jordan’s economy. APC reported net profits of JD153 million for the first nine months of 2024, with net sales revenues of JD 509 million and pre-tax profits of JD 212 million, highlighting the company’s resilience in the global fertilizer market despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges.
