The EU has set a legally binding climate target for 2040, at a 90% GHG emission reduction versus 1990 levels. But, while the 2030 emission target can theoretically be met with limited modifications to existing ammonia production plants in the EU, new technology pathway choices will have to be made well before 2040 to ensure compliance. We explore some of the options, and projects in progress.
In our November episode of Project Features, Juwö Poroton and Ammonigy joined us to explore their “CO2-free brick production” project, demonstrating the use of cracked ammonia fuel to fire bricks in Wöllstein, Germany. Though hurdles remain for the deployment of the solution at the necessary scale, promising operational results and quality-checked final products were achieved, and progress is being made towards emissions mitigation.
One of the key steps in project development remains the selection of the licensor for the renewable ammonia synthesis loop. We explore different technology offerings from leading licensors – including KBR, Topsoe, Thyssenkrupp Uhde, Casale, Stamicarbon, and GoodChina – as well as the growing list of projects where they are being deployed.
State-owned conglomerate Energy China and logistics and terminal specialist ADF are establishing a renewable ammonia supply chain in northeast China. In our recent episode of Project Features, we explored the Songyuan production project, and ADF’s planned scale-up of ammonia storage and transport facilities across China’s coast.
In our September Episode of Project Features, project partner Lapis Carbon Solutions and LSB Industries walk us through their CCS ammonia project in El Dorado, Arkansas. Permitting is expected to be finalized next year, followed by commencement of CCS operations in late 2026.
Various elements – different definitions for “green” hydrogen, subsidy structures, and transportation & logistics costs – all contribute to the gap between discovered prices for the H2Global and SECI renewable ammonia auctions. More SECI auction results are expected in the coming days and weeks.
Current global ammonia production is mostly based on gas-fed, two-stage reforming processs. Decarbonization of this existing production capacity – as well as new newbuild low-emission capacity also based on gas – can utilize an industrially-proven suite of alternative technologies and processes, including autothermal reforming, and partial oxidation combined with CCS. This article discusses some of the technologies available from various tech providers, and reference projects in operation.
In our recent episode of Project Features, we explored the outcomes from a recent ammonia bunkering demonstration at the Port of Rotterdam. With twelve ammonia transfer and bunkering demonstrations occurring in nine global locations since 2024, where does the Port Readiness Level for ammonia bunkering stand in Rotterdam and elsewhere, what are the key technical learnings, and what gaps remain?
Phase one of China Energy Engineering Group’s Songyuan project will come online this September, producing 200,000 tons per year of RFNBO-compliant ammonia. Ammonia produced in Songyuan (and Energy China’s other major renewable project in Chifeng) will be transported to Panjin Port, where Energy China co-owns a large-scale ammonia storage terminal.
In our June Episode of Project Features, the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology and Sunoco LP joined us to discuss ammonia pipelines. What lessons and best-practices can we draw from existing pipeline networks, and what design & risk mitigation factors are critical to the development of new ammonia pipeline routes?