Ammonia pipelines: existing networks, future deployments, and safety considerations

Join us on Tues 3 June @ 4PM CEST – click to register

Germany and northwest Europe have set ambitious goals for future energy imports, with ammonia to play a significant role. But, as well as acting as a hydrogen carrier, ammonia imports can be transported further inland once they arrive in the EU, with a variety of potential applications and customers located in interior industrial hubs.

The Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT) is preparing to publish a report evaluating the techno-economic feasibility of a new ammonia pipeline from the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands to Germany, connecting a key coastal, import site with industrial locations in Germany’s interior. The ammonia pipeline would be an alternative to existing ammonia transportation modalities such as barges and railcars. The report will detail the best available technology for safe pipeline operations over long distances, including infrastructure such as pumping stations required to maintain sufficient ammonia pressure along the pipeline.

Thankfully, we don’t have to look far for an existing ammonia pipeline network to provide safety and operational insights. In the United States, Sunoco LP (previously NuStar) currently operates a liquid ammonia pipeline connecting seven states in the US Midwest, servicing agricultural and fertilizer customers. 1.5 million tons of ammonia are transported along the network every year. The pipeline was completed in 1971, and covers about 2,100 kilometres along the main line, and 650 kilometres via the side line.

To discuss both the upcoming report and operational insights from the existing pipeline network in the USA, Hans van ‘t Noordende (Principal Expert Energy Transition, ISPT), and Megan Acker (Business Development Senior Manager, Sunoco LP) will be joined in conversation by AEA Technology Manager Kevin Rouwenhorst. Join us on 3 June @ 10AM EDT (4PM CEST) for a fascinating discussion, and be sure to submit your questions for our speakers in advance.