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.
Despite the successes and progress made in 2025, the year remains a missed opportunity for ammonia energy. The first complete supply chains for renewable ammonia are emerging, and some 600,000 tons of annual production capacity is set to be online in northeast China early next year. Maritime engines, cracking, and power & heat technology solutions also made their mark, moving from feasibility into deployment. But disappointing outcomes at the IMO and government support that failed to spark market development remains an issue, with plenty of critical, detail-heavy work ahead of us in 2026.
Join us to explore the AEA’s now-operational Certification System. AEA Certification Project Manager Madhav Acharya will be joined in conversation by Nick Cook (CF Industries), and Vibeke Rasmussen (Yara Clean Ammonia).
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.
GreenGo Energy and SELECT Energy have signed a strategic partnership to develop a 4 million tons per year renewable ammonia project near Mauritania’s capital Nouakchott. The Mauritanian government has also reached a framework agreement with German developer Möhring Energie for the development of project NAYRAH, which will produce about 400,000 tons per year of renewable ammonia. This follows the government’s launch of its national “Green Hydrogen Code” in October this year.
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.
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.
The Australian government has launched the much-anticipated “GO” scheme, a voluntary framework for emissions accounting of products including ammonia, plus the certification of renewable electricity feedstock.
In April this year, a ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering demonstration was completed at the Port of Rotterdam. In October, two parties, OCI and VICTROL, who participated in the pilot, reached an agreement towards commercial implementation of ammonia bunkering.