In our May episode of Project Features, H2SITE joined us to explore the development history of their Palladium membrane-based, ammonia cracking technology. Learn more about the deployment of this technology at a hydrogen vehicle refueling site in the UK, plus plans for scaling-up the technology to produce tons per day of fuel-cell grade hydrogen from ammonia.
At last month’s MariNH3 conference in Nottingham, a series of keynotes laid out the opportunities and challenges ahead for marine ammonia fuel. Onboard ammonia cracking technologies are moving through testing phases and closer to commercialisation, vessel designers are working through the unique challenges of carrying ammonia fuel onboard, and emissions mitigation technology (in combination with adherence to existing Tier 3 standards) will be necessary to ensure that ammonia-powered vessels are more environmentally-friendly than conventional counterparts.
Two big players, Johnson Matthey and thyssenkrupp Uhde, will combine their CCS-based hydrogen and ammonia synthesis technologies to offer a new “blue” ammonia solution, enabling production with up to 99% CO2 capture.
Meet H2SITE to explore its catalytic membrane technology for ammonia cracking, the Ammogen project in the UK, maritime applications and other opportunities.
Heidelberg Materials and partners will conduct a feasibility study on the use of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for cement production. In the trials, a cracked ammonia fuel mix will power cement clinker production at Heidelberg’s Ribblesdale site in the UK.
AFC Energy, MAHLE, the University of Nottingham and Clean Air Power have been awarded funding from Innovate UK to demonstrate the feasibility of ammonia combustion engines in the marine sector, based on the integration of AFC Energy’s ammonia cracking technology. The new program builds on a prior R&D program exploring ammonia combustion engines for the off-road construction industry.
H2SITE successfully used its membrane-based ammonia cracking technology coupled with a PEM fuel cell to power auxiliary services onboard the BERTHA B as it sailed along the Gulf of Biscay. In the UK, AFC Energy will continue validation of a 140 kg-per-day demonstration plant, featuring its modular ammonia cracker technology.
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.