Mexico: Moving Towards Climate-Friendly Nitric Acid Production

Mexico has been a committed partner in the Nitric Acid Climate Action Group (NACAG) since 2019, taking significant steps towards reducing nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions in the nitric acid sector. The collaboration has now led to concrete technological and institutional milestones.

Policy Commitment and Integration into National Climate Goals

Mexico's involvement in NACAG was formalised in late 2019 when the Mexican government signed the NACAG Statement of Undertaking. This political commitment signalled the government's clear intention to implement lasting policy measures aimed at the permanent mitigation of N₂O emissions from nitric acid production. Building on this, Mexico formally included N₂O emissions from the nitric acid sector in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement in 2022.

Química PIMA and Soluciones Químicas para el Campo y la Industria S.A. de C.V. are two key nitric acid producers in Mexico actively partnering with NACAG.

Química PIMA: Advancing with Monitoring Technology

Química PIMA, based in north-west Mexico, produces around 30,000 tonnes of nitric acid annually. The company has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing environmental issues in the industry by independently implementing abatement technology for NOx and N2O gases. 

On 17 April 2024, Química PIMA reached a milestone by signing a contract with a supplier, selected through a transparent public tender, for the delivery of cutting-edge nitrous oxide monitoring equipment. The monitoring technology, installed with the support of NACAG, will measure the improvement in reducing N₂O emissions.

Soluciones Químicas: Full Abatement and Monitoring Technology

Soluciones Químicas is one of the leaders in Mexico’s fertilizer industry. With over five decades of experience and an annual nitric acid output of approximately 45,000 tonnes, the company has taken another decisive step in its climate action journey. 

On 11 September 2024, Soluciones Químicas signed a contract with a Mexican company for the supply and installation of tertiary N₂O abatement technology. This innovative procurement model fosters international cooperation, with a European company designing the reactor and a Mexican firm overseeing local manufacturing and installation. This collaboration is a prime example of a win-win approach, combining global expertise with local capacity-building.

Saving 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents

Once operational, the abatement system at Soluciones Químicas is projected to reduce over 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually – equivalent to taking 25,500 cars off the road or saving around 248,000 barrels of oil. The abatement and monitoring technologies are both expected to be installed in 2025.

NACAG, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the International Climate Initiative (IKI), continues to support Mexico in achieving its climate goals by deeply decarbonising the nitric acid sector.

A new video on NACAG’s work in Mexico shows how strong partnerships and innovative technologies are helping to transform the nitric acid production industry – and protect the climate:

Watch the video