Ideal – Landus Ammonia Pilot

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Landus, Iowa’s largest farmer-owned cooperative, set out to solve a growing challenge in agriculture: how to reduce the environmental and financial costs of traditional fertilizer production while improving energy efficiency at rural facilities. Conventional ammonia production is carbon-intensive and dependent on global supply chains. At the same time, grain drying operations create energy demand spikes that drive up utility costs and underutilize infrastructure during off-peak periods.

Shive-Hattery partnered with Landus, Talus Ag, and Ideal Energy to design a first-of-its-kind green ammonia facility near Boone, Iowa. Our team provided site planning, engineering, and facility design for a grid-tied 1.4 MW ammonia electrolyzer plant, supplemented by a 1.3 MW solar array (with a maximum AC output of 0.975 MW). The system produces up to one ton of ammonia per day using only water, air—or more precisely, the hydrogen in water and nitrogen in the air—and renewable electricity as feedstocks. Smart metering and behind-the-meter energy management allow the facility to operate during low-demand periods, reducing peak charges and maximizing solar utilization.

The result is a scalable, micro-production model that delivers up to 365 tons of carbon-free ammonia annually. This innovation supports Landus farmer-members with more affordable, locally produced fertilizer while reducing emissions and improving long-term soil health. The project shows how thoughtful design and collaboration can transform agricultural infrastructure—advancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and economic resilience across rural communities.