Various elements – different definitions for “green” hydrogen, subsidy structures, and transportation & logistics costs – all contribute to the gap between discovered prices for the H2Global and SECI renewable ammonia auctions. More SECI auction results are expected in the coming days and weeks.
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.
In our recent episode of Project Features, we explored the outcomes from a recent ammonia bunkering demonstration at the Port of Rotterdam. With twelve ammonia transfer and bunkering demonstrations occurring in nine global locations since 2024, where does the Port Readiness Level for ammonia bunkering stand in Rotterdam and elsewhere, what are the key technical learnings, and what gaps remain?
In our June Episode of Project Features, the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology and Sunoco LP joined us to discuss ammonia pipelines. What lessons and best-practices can we draw from existing pipeline networks, and what design & risk mitigation factors are critical to the development of new ammonia pipeline routes?
We explore recent, full-scale, four-stroke engine testing results from IHI and Wärtsilä. Testing indicates N2O emissions can be almost fully eliminated with catalytic treatment, and significantly lower NOX emissions for engines running in ammonia mode, compared to running on diesel. While ammonia slip remains a key consideration due to the design of a four-stroke engine, catalytic treatment of the exhaust can eliminate even high concentrations, and release mitigation systems have already been designed and deployed to ensure safe operations.
In our May Episode of Project Features, OQ Alternative Energy and Dutco joined us to discuss progress on SalalaH2, a renewable ammonia export project under development on Oman’s southwestern coast. Technical specifications, shared infrastructure, and further decarbonization of existing OQ assets at Salalah were explored.
We explore recent, full-scale, dual-fuel engine testing results from leading maritime vendors such as MAN Energy Solutions and WinGD. Testing indicates negligible emissions of the potent GHG N2O (which can be fully eliminated with catalytic treatment), and significantly lower NOX emissions for engines running in ammonia mode, compared to running on fuel oil or diesel. Overall, compliance with IMO Tier II and III emission limits is well within reach for the first generation of ammonia-fueled maritime engines.
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.
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?
To explore wind-based renewable ammonia production in Nova Scotia and lessons learned from the recently-finished FEED study for the Point Tupper project, EverWind Fuels and Black & Veatch joined Project Features this month. Discussion included a detailed breakdown of the lessons learned designing flexible hydrogen and ammonia production plants.