Topsoe, Skovgaard Energy and Vestas have launched the world’s first green ammonia plant in Ramme, Northwest Jutland, Denmark.
The plant, which has received DKK 81 million (US$12.1m) in funding from the Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP), is designed to showcase how renewable power can be directly integrated into an ammonia production process.
This takes into account the natural fluctuations in renewable power generation, such as solar and wind, to ensure consistent and cost-effective production of green ammonia.
“With this new facility, we are taking an important step, which will benefit both Denmark and the rest of the world,” said Kim Hedegaard, CEO Power-to-X at Topsoe.
“We need to continue the development of green alternatives for energy-intensive industries and long-distance transportation with research, innovation, and action. This project is a unique example of going from good intentions to actively supporting the energy transition.”
The plant’s approach involves adjusting the ammonia synthesis loop and electrolysis process based on the availability of renewable power, primarily sourced from 50 MW (megawatts) of new solar panels and 12 MW from existing Vestas wind turbines.
Green ammonia is rapidly gaining attention as a versatile e-fuel, capable of being transported using existing infrastructure and playing a crucial role in decarbonising various industries, including steel and cement production.
As a hydrogen carrier and a potential fuel, green ammonia offers multiple applications in the global pursuit of Net Zero emissions.
“We have achieved a milestone in Denmark,” said Niels Erik Madsen, CEO at Skovgaard Energy. “Until today, we have been able to supply plenty of green power to the power grid, but we have not been able to store it or convert it to the needs of industry. We are now able to do just that when we turn green electricity into green ammonia.”
The plant is expected to produce 5,000 tons of green ammonia annually, preventing the emission of 8,200 tons of CO2 each year.
How is green ammonia produced?
Green ammonia is produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, to generate electricity. This electricity powers an electrolyser, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The hydrogen is then combined with nitrogen from the air in the Haber-Bosch process, which traditionally requires fossil fuels but is powered by renewable energy in green ammonia production. This results in carbon-free ammonia.
Green ammonia global market
According to a report by Market Research Future, the green ammonia market is expected to reach $5.4 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 54% from 2022 to 2030.
Europe currently dominates the market due to investments in renewable energy infrastructure, while Asia-Pacific is rapidly expanding, with countries like Japan and Australia planning to use green ammonia for hydrogen storage and export.
North American companies, such as CF Industries, are also investing heavily in green ammonia production to meet rising global demand for low-carbon alternatives.
