Derivaat NH3: integrated ammonia production in Estonia

Click to learn more about Derivaat NH3’s Voyager 1 project in Estonia.

Derivaat NH3 is an ammonia developer based in Estonia and a subsidiary of Nordic Stream Group. The company has three projects in its pipeline: Voyager 1 and 2, which are hydrogen and ammonia production plants, and Pathfinder 1, an ammonia-powered ferry project which will utilise ammonia fuel produced by the company’s other projects.

Voyager 1, located in Paldiski South Harbour, will be a 22,000 tons per year ammonia production plant powered by an under-construction nearby biogas power plant. The project was initially intended to be powered by locally produced wind and solar energy, but plans changed due to high renewable energy prices in Estonia. Construction of the 94 MW net-capacity gas power plant, which is expected to cost about €110.5 million, is underway and has been boosted by a €11 million government grant. To start with, the plant will be biomethane-fuelled (with potential to run on hydrogen). In addition to powering ammonia production, the power plant will help stabilise the Estonian grid. For hydrogen production, SOEC electrolysis of wastewater (from the sewage system) and rainwater will be deployed.

Derivaat NH3’s second ammonia production plant, Voyager 2, to be located in Ida-Virumaa, will have an annual capacity of 100,000 tons (with potential for further expansion) and is expected to come online in December 2028. At present, lease booking and building title are pending approval (10 hectares initially with option for an addition 15 hectares). Negotiations are also underway on renewable energy supply and offtake to power electrolysis and ammonia production. It is unclear at this stage what source of power supply will be used in this project.

Pathfinder 1, the company’s third project, is a railway ferry to connect the Finnish railway network with that of other European Union countries. The ferry, designed by Ukraine-based Maritime Engineering Bureau, is a 220m long ship, which will be ammonia powered. The ammonia will be supplied from Derivaat NH3’s ammonia projects and is expected to consume about 19, 000 tonnes of ammonia per year. It will also feature an onboard solar park and wind generators – presumably to power auxiliary services.

According to the company, on its deck, the ferry will have “1100 metres long railway lines of both 1520 mm and 1435 mm wide, where it is possible to place 77 railway wagons simultaneously.” Further, the ship will be “a RoPax type railway ferry, where, in addition to railcars, it is also possible to load trucks and cars, and 228 40-inch containers on its main deck.” The design also includes 382 seats for passengers, truck drivers and crew. It is expected to launch in 2027/2028.