Clariant will manufacture catalysts for a new electric steam methane reformer (eSMR) project, which will begin producing 150 tons per day of syngas from 2026. The 10 MW unit will be fed with renewable electricity, producing syngas for a to-be-named German customer.
Current global ammonia production is mostly based on gas-fed, two-stage reforming processs. Decarbonization of this existing production capacity – as well as new newbuild low-emission capacity also based on gas – can utilize an industrially-proven suite of alternative technologies and processes, including autothermal reforming, and partial oxidation combined with CCS. This article discusses some of the technologies available from various tech providers, and reference projects in operation.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has conditionally awarded AU$432 million in hydrogen production credits to support the operation of the Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub. Located adjacent to Orica’s existing ammonia production facility on Kooragang Island, the grid-powered, 50 MW electrolysis plant will displace around 7.5% of gas feedstock consumed daily.
In the latest episode of Project Features, Foshan Xianhu Laboratory and Monalisa Group explored a recent demonstration of ammonia combustion for industrial fabrication of ceramic tiles in China. Retrofits of the gas-powered production lines, safe, low-emission ammonia combustion, a multi-level DeNOX approach, target markets, and future ammonia fuel demand potential in China were discussed.
Long-awaited guidelines for tax credits for the production of “clean” hydrogen in the USA have been released, which include “significant changes” and additional flexibility compared to the first draft.
A first in the Brazilian market, Yara has commenced the production of biomethane-based nitrate fertilisers at its Cubatão complex, reducing the carbon footprint by up to 75%. The first batch of the low carbon fertiliser has been delivered to coffee farmers in the Cooxupe cooperative.
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?
BASF has successfully delivered its first shipment of BMBcertTM grade ammonia to Evonik. Produced via a “biomass balanced approach”, the ammonia will be used by Evonik to manufacture a range of products, including resins, paints, shoe soles, and gas pipes.
Air Liquide will invest up to $850 million to build, own and operate four large air separation units as part of ExxonMobil’s low-carbon hydrogen project in Baytown, Texas. The units will provide nitrogen and oxygen feedstocks to ExxonMobil, which will be used to produce low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia.