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.
CMB.TECH has signed an off-take agreement for renewable ammonia produced by Energy China at its now-operational Songyuan project in Jilin Province, northeast China. CMB.TECH will also acquire a minority stake in Jiangsu Andefu (ADF) one of China's largest ammonia supply chain companies and China’s first exporter of liquid ammonia in 2011.
Ammonia produced at BASF’s Ludwigshafen site will be consumed at OCI’s Geleen fertilizers manufacturing complex.
The pair are in advanced negotiations to cement a partnership that will de-risk and progress two key production projects: the Louisiana Clean Energy Complex in the USA, and NEOM in Saudi Arabia.
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.
Air Liquide has announced the successful start-up of its first industrial-scale ammonia cracking pilot unit at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium.
Everllence has launched its new dual-fuel ME-LGIA (Liquid Gas Injection Ammonia) engine at an industry event in Copenhagen, ahead of the first units being delivered next year.
Icelandic start-up Atmonia is developing a novel nitrogen electrolyser technology which aims to produce ammonia from air and water in a single-step process.
In the wake of the IMO’s decision to postpone adoption of a zero and near-zero fuels support framework, the European Commission has launched its own support scheme for sustainable aviation (SAF) and maritime (SMF) fuels. Strategic, targeted investments will be made to scale up EU-based production of renewable and low-carbon fuels, unlocking the fuel volumes required.
Statkraft is working to progress plans for two electrolysis-based ammonia projects in the Shetland Islands: the 80 MW Tagdale Green Ammonia outside of the capital Lerwick, and a 400 MW facility on disused industrial land near Scatsta airport.