LARGE AMMONIA CRACKER FOR ROTTERDAM PORT HYDROGEN IMPORTS OF 1 MILLION TONS

A study into the potential creation of a large-scale ammonia cracker to enable the importation of 1 million tons of hydrogen annually for the decarbonization of industry and mobility has begun thanks to a project by 18 firms coordinated by the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

The parties have hired Fluor to research the viability of building a sizable central cracking plant at the port to recycle imported ammonia into 1 million tons of hydrogen annually. The decarbonization of other industrial clusters in North-West Europe can then be facilitated by using the hydrogen in the port or transferring it farther via pipes. In general, one million tons of green hydrogen can help reduce CO2 emissions by about 10 million tons.

In order to replace natural gas, serve as a raw material for industry and green chemistry, and assist sustainable transportation, hydrogen and its derivatives, such as ammonia, will be crucial in the energy transition. The hydrogen needed for North-West Europe will be imported in enormous quantities, including in the form of ammonia, which can be transported more easily than hydrogen.

Air Liquide, Aramco, bp, Essent/E.ON, ExxonMobil, Gasunie, GES, HES international, Koole Terminals, Linde, OCI, RWE, Shell, Sasol, Uniper, Vopak, and VTTI are also a part of the program. The technical, financial, environmental, and safety needs of a sizable cracking facility will be examined in the pre-feasibility study. The study’s preliminary findings are anticipated in early 2023.