Uniper & thyssenkrupp Uhde: demonstration-scale ammonia cracker plant under construction in Germany

Click to learn more. Uniper and thyssenkrupp Uhde are constructing a demonstration scale ammonia cracker plant at Uniper’s power plant in Gelsenkirchen-Scholven, which will deploy thyssenkrupp’s technology. Source: thyssenkrupp Uhde.

As a preparatory step towards commercial deployment, thyssenkrupp Uhde and Uniper have commenced the construction of a demonstration scale ammonia cracker plant at Uniper’s power plant in Gelsenkirchen-Scholven, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

The project, part-funded by the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia, will have a daily capacity of 28 tons of ammonia. This deployment will serve as a test case for the planned hydrogen import terminal at the port of Wilhelmshaven, northwestern Germany, where the technology is set to be deployed commercially. Imports via Wilhelmshaven port could provide about 10-20% of Germany’s hydrogen demand in 2030.

The demonstration-scale cracking project follows successful development and laboratory scale tests. The data sourced from the operations of the demonstration plant will inform further development ahead of industrial-scale deployment in Wilhelmshaven. With construction already underway, the demonstrator is scheduled to be commissioned by the end of next year, marking the first deployment of thyssenkrupp Uhde’s ammonia cracking technology.

For Germany, which plans to import most of its hydrogen requirements by 2030, locally developed ammonia cracker technology will be crucial in unlocking supply chains from key potential ammonia production hubs such as Africa, Australia and Canada.

Uniper is actively committed to establishing hydrogen as an important component of the future energy mix that combines security and sustainability. Our aim is to strengthen the resilience of the economy. In order to meet Germany’s future hydrogen needs, we are dependent on imports from abroad. The partnership between Uniper and thyssenkrupp Uhde is therefore an important milestone for the hydrogen ramp-up and the decarbonization of industry. With the ammonia cracker in Scholven, we’re laying the groundwork to trade hydrogen internationally and making it available across industries.

Holger Kreetz, Uniper COO, in thyssenkrupp Uhde’s official press release, 27 May 2025

Uniper’s position as a leader in the energy markets and experienced asset operator, combined with our proven track record as a global leader in ammonia technology and large-scale plant delivery, forms a strong foundation for success. This joint capability ensures that the cracker plant is optimized not only for performance and efficiency but also for safety, long-term reliability, and total lifecycle cost. This integrated approach ensures a high level of confidence across the industry that the plant will consistently deliver top-tier operational performance throughout its entire lifecycle.

Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, in her organisation’s official press release, 27 May 2025

Hydrogen is one of the key technologies for the future viability of our industry in North Rhine-Westphalia. Like no other federal state, we need energy and raw materials for our economy and prosperity. With the help of ammonia cracking technology, we are opening up the possibility of obtaining green energy from numerous regions around the world. In doing so, we are strengthening the resilience of our business location and demonstrating how sustainability and security of supply can work together.

Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, in thyssenkrupp Uhde’s official press release, 27 May 2025