Here, we explore the current demonstration landscape for large-scale cracking. To produce pipeline-quality hydrogen at future energy import hubs, industrial-scale ammonia cracking is still to be derisked and demonstrated, although certain parts of the overall process have been proven at scale. What are the technology elements to be considered, and who are the first-movers deploying the technology in a variety of global locations?
South Korea
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Syzygy Plasmonics achieves new performance mark with electric cracking demonstration in South Korea
Syzygy and Lotte Chemical have announced results from the latest test of Syzygy’s all-electric ammonia cracker in Ulsan, South Korea. The unit demonstrated capacity of 290 kg/day of hydrogen produced at 11 kWh/kg, as Syzygy works towards commercialisation of the technology.
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Trafigura, CF & Purus complete first ammonia-LPG co-loaded voyage
Partners report that the voyage demonstrates “efficient and economic” future pathways for the transport of ammonia, particularly as the scale-up of new maritime fuels occurs. The Green Power vessel was also involved in Trafigura’s first-ever ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia in the Straits of Gibraltar last July.
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Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Hyundai and Kia unveil 2L ammonia engine
The trio has developed a high-pressure, small-scale, direct liquid injection engine utilising pure ammonia fuel with no additives or pilot fuel. Last June the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials unveiled a MW-scale, LNG-ammonia co-fired engine for maritime applications, utilising the same combustion approach.
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LUPRO: renewable ammonia production in Oman with offtake to Korea & Thailand
Korean energy company LUPRO has entered into a long-term tripartite production, supply and sales agreement with Oman’s Muscat House and Thailand’s MA Corporation for the production and export of renewable ammonia to Asia, beginning in 2027.
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Government support for ammonia-powered shipping in Japan, Korea
In Japan, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment will invest $212 million in the domestic manufacture of ammonia engines, fuel tanks and components. In Korea, the national Export-Import Bank has committed to supporting ammonia-fueled newbuilds.
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Construction of EXMAR’s ammonia-powered vessels begins in South Korea
The construction of EXMAR’s first 46,000 m3, ammonia-powered midsized gas carrier vessel began in December last year, with the four ordered vessels on track for delivery in 2026, powered by dual-fuel WinGD engines.
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Korea Southern Power selected as final bidder in national clean power auction
Korea Southern Power will co-fire ammonia at Unit 1 of the KOSPO-owned Samcheok Bitdream Headquarters power plant, likely sourcing the ammonia fuel from Pilot Energy’s Mid West Clean Energy Project in Australia.