In this Technology Insights article, we explore the different technology options for low-emission ammonia production from gas feedstock. What are the different energy, carbon capture, scale and maturity trade-offs that need to be considered? What technology choices are project developers currently making?
Following a successful engine retrofit, FFI’s dual fuel vessel debuted at COP28 this month. Unable to run on or carry ammonia fuel due to restrictions from local authorities, FFI Chairman Andrew Forrest called for the world’s ports to catch-up to technological progress and update their regulations. FFI will also be a key part of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub (one of seven hubs awarded funding by the US DoE), and has added to its vertical integration capabilities with the opening of a new technical innovation centre in the UK.
ITOCHU & Orascom Construction have partnered to develop an ammonia bunkering hub at the Suez Canal in Egypt. In other news, Fertiglobe and AD Ports Group will leverage the latter’s logistics expertise and infrastructure in the UAE to strengthen Fertiglobe’s ability to store and transport ammonia & urea.
Mitsui & Co., INPEX and Japanese government agency JOGMEC will partner with ADNOC to verify the emissions intensity of ammonia produced at a new project in al-Ruwais, UAE. The final methodology is likely to reflect the definition of clean ammonia currently being developed in Japan. Shipments of CCU-based ammonia have arrived in Japan & India in recent weeks from SABIC in Saudi Arabia, further highlighting the potential of Middle East supply chains.
ADNOC, Currenta GmbH and the North Rhine-Westphalia state government will cooperate on the production, transportation to Germany and subsequent application of low-carbon ammonia fuel. Industrial-scale testing of ammonia fuel for power generation will take place at one of Currenta’s chemical manufacturing sites in the region.
The pair will partner to develop a renewable hydrogen & ammonia project near Abu Dhabi, powered by 650 MW of solar PV in the first phase. The announcement adds to a growing portfolio of electrolysis and CCS-based ammonia projects in the UAE. Also in the Middle East, neighbouring Oman looks to position itself as the ideal “midway” ammonia bunker hub between Rotterdam and Singapore.
