Aslan Energy: low-emission ammonia in Mexico and Indonesia

Sonora, Mexico

Singapore-based Aslan Energy Capital has acquired 35,000 hectares of land in Mexico for a solar powered hydrogen and ammonia production project. Located near the coastline on the Gulf of California, the site features excellent solar irradiance. Operations are scheduled to begin in 2028, with the first phase of the project producing nearly 600,000 tons of renewable ammonia per year. Production capacity will be doubled by 2030, as part of phase two.

By leveraging Sonora’s abundant solar resources, we aim to not only produce clean energy but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions in Mexico. This project holds immense potential to transform the energy landscape and drive positive change across multiple sectors, specifically green hydrogen for data centers and transportation. Green ammonia derived from the project delivers strengthened food security, while upholding energy self-sufficiency.

Gho Wie Min, VP Engineering of Aslan Energy Capital in his organisation’s official press release, 8 July 2024

Two further production expansion phases are planned over a decade-long development timeline. The target market will be Mexican domestic ammonia requirements, including fertilisers. Excess product can easily be shipped to the USA via already-established railway corridors, and there are plans to explore a dedicated ammonia export terminal to service markets like Japan. FEED work is expected to commence soon, with the first ammonia shipment planned for 2028. The project aligns with the Mexican government’s Sonora Plan: a broad energy transition initiative featuring multiple projects across Sonora state.

Aslan Energy already has a track record of deploying large-scale renewable energy projects, including the ongoing construction of a 600 MW solar farm and adjacent electrolysis plant in Indonesia. The Palu Green Energy Hub was announced in July 2022, and will reportedly feature ammonia production in the Palu Special Economic Zone, adjacent to the Port of Pantaloan.

Aceh, Indonesia

Also in Indonesia, Aslan Energy is engaged in the ARUN Blue Ammonia project in Lhokseumawe, Aceh Province, near the vital Strait of Malacca international shipping lane. Pertamina subsidiary Perta Arun Gas signed an MoU with Aslan Energy in September 2023 to develop a 600,000 tons per year ammonia facility, based on carbon sequestration in depleted reservoirs in the Arun gas field. Development works have commenced and the project is planned to achieve commissioning and first ammonia production by mid-2028.

We identified this project due to the optimal leverage of the existing infrastructure facilities in our Lhokseumawe SEZ and the market dynamics, coupled with the feed gas and market solutions that our partner AEC have identified and secured. The availability of CO2 sequestration facility was the key factor in the selection. This cooperation will bring substantial benefits for the region, for Lhokseumawe Special Economic Zone and be a key contribution by PAG into Indonesia energy strategy.

President Director of Perta Arun Gas, Bara Ilmarosa in his organisation’s official press release, 11 Sept 2023