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Updated PGS-12 code: Preparing for increased ammonia imports to the Netherlands
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Updated PGS-12 code: Preparing for increased ammonia imports to the Netherlands

Kevin Rouwenhorst August 16, 2024

In our July episode of Project Features, we were joined by the Port of Rotterdam, OCI Global and Chane to explore current and future ammonia imports into Rotterdam. With significant ammonia import targets set for 2050, terminal projects are already underway in Rotterdam, including a four-phase expansion of OCI Terminal Europoort, and a new distribution hub from Chane. These developments will proceed according to a modern, updated set of guidelines for ammonia storage and handling in the Netherlands, known as PGS-12.

R&D recap: the <i data-lazy-src=
Article

R&D recap: the Journal of Ammonia Energy – volume II

Geofrey Njovu August 13, 2024

Ahead of the international Symposium on Ammonia Energy event next month, we recap R&D presented in the second edition of the Journal on Ammonia Energy:

  • An integrated, indirect ammonia solid-oxide cell featuring a heat exchanger and ammonia cracker was modelled, built and tested by the UK’s Science and Technologies Council (STFC).
  • The techno-economics of the transportation of energy from Orkney, Scotland to Milford Haven, Wales using ammonia as an energy carrier transported by ship may be the most cost-effective option.
  • N2O and NOX conversion in ammonia engine exhausts is limited by the presence of oxygen and water, presenting an optimisation challenge for technology developers.
  • And an academic-industry joint session on ammonia safety highlighted multiple projects currently underway to tackle the risks associated with the use of ammonia in new commercial sectors.

AustriaEnergy: Chilean mega-project nears final approvals
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AustriaEnergy: Chilean mega-project nears final approvals

Julian Atchison August 13, 2024

AustriaEnergy announced that it has successfully submitted an environmental impact study covering the first phase of its ammonia mega-project HNH Energy, and expects to receive approval by late 2025. As with all Chilean projects under-development, the submission represents a critical milestone, and construction is expected to start in 2027.

FuelEU: countdown to entry into force
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FuelEU: countdown to entry into force

Oscar Pearce August 11, 2024

The FuelEU Maritime Regulation is set to launch on August 31, requiring companies to submit monitoring plans ahead of its full implementation in January 2025. With modest initial targets and sophisticated compliance mechanisms like banking, borrowing, and pooling, the scheme offers flexibility while driving innovation in sustainable maritime technologies. The scheme also offers extra incentives for companies to proactively embrace Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs), before mandates enter into force next decade.

Spanish government launches support scheme for hydrogen valleys
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Spanish government launches support scheme for hydrogen valleys

Julian Atchison August 07, 2024

Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) has outlined a new subsidy program to help establish valleys or clusters for renewable hydrogen production. €1.2 billion in direct capital investment assistance will be allocated across a minimum of three projects, with an auction process to launch later this year.

bp takes FID on Castellón, to acquire key stake in Oman mega-project
Article

bp takes FID on Castellón, to acquire key stake in Oman mega-project

Julian Atchison August 07, 2024

In its quarterly earnings call last month, bp unveiled progress in a number of key renewable hydrogen and ammonia projects. To help decarbonise its existing refinery in Castellón, Spain, a bp and Iberdrola-led consortium has taken FID on the HyVal project. bp also revealed that it will take an equity share and act as operator for the HYPORT Duqm project: a GW-scale ammonia export project being developed in southern Oman.

Trammo to offtake renewable ammonia from northern Australia
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Trammo to offtake renewable ammonia from northern Australia

Julian Atchison August 06, 2024

Trammo will purchase up to 100% of renewable ammonia produced by Allied Green Ammonia in the Northern Territory, Australia, with the first ammonia sales anticipated to occur in late 2028. In further news for AGA’s project, Germany-based EPC firm SPG Steiner will supply two 40,000 ton, cryogenic tanks to store ammonia production before offtake.

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Article

R&D recap: the Journal of Ammonia Energy

Geofrey Njovu August 06, 2024

Ahead of the 3rd Symposium on Ammonia Energy in Shanghai next month, we take the opportunity to highlight select papers and key results from the first two editions, starting with the 2022 Cardiff event:

  • In an ammonia-diesel blending study, Orleans University and WinGD found that minimising the diesel fraction actually led to increased N2O emissions.
  • In a bid to produce an optimal ammonia-hydrogen fuel blend, a University of Birmingham team characterised the ammonia cracking mechanism of a new, transition metal-promoted lithium amide catalyst.
  • A KAUST study of swirl intensity of an ammonia-methane blended fuel finds that increasing the swirl number leads to a more compact flame, reducing NOX emissions.
  • A team from the University of Minnesota found that combustion durations comparable to gasoline were obtained for ammonia-hydrogen fuel blends.
  • And, as part of a joint academic-industry session on safety, it was recommended that a careful, proactive approach is taken towards new ammonia users, likely exposure risk points and deploying maritime ammonia fuel.