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Preparing the Netherlands for large-scale ammonia imports

As Europe is expected to import a significant part of its hydrogen needs, ammonia cracking will play a key role. New results from a pre-feasibility study shed light on important considerations for efficient, safe deployment of industrial scale cracking at Rotterdam. Modernisation of the Netherland’s official ammonia storage and loading guideline also shows that fit-for-purpose regulation will be important to meet the demands of a fast-growing ammonia industry.

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Ammonia fuel could begin powering Australia – Asia green maritime corridor from 2028

Ammonia-powered vessels could be deployed on the iron ore trade routes between West Australia and East Asia from 2028, a new consortium study suggests. More than 20 vessels could be deployed on these routes by 2030, and over 360 by 2050. While ammonia fuel supply from Australia is unlikely to be a concern, validating the safety case for ammonia fuel, policy support to close the cost gap & industry-wide collaboration must all be established in time for deployment.

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Key shipping stakeholders see a multi-fuel future: new survey results

A recent survey reveals how shipping industry leaders see the maritime fuel transition progressing. With conventional ship engines set to remain the preferred technology until at least 2050, almost all the survey respondents saw their fleets running on a mix of fuels by that date. Although methanol & ammonia are likely to be adopted at scale, respondents do not currently see any of the new fuels emerging as an industry standard, with key choices ahead for shipping companies, fuel producers, bunker providers and industry regulators.

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Maritime developments: on-water cracking, AiPs and Singapore bunker study releases first results

In maritime ammonia updates this week:

  • In Europe, government funding will support the development of an ammonia cracking system that can be installed on existing LNG vessels (Norway), and the establishment of a floating production and storage facility connected to an offshore wind farm (Netherlands).
  • Two AiPs have been granted: one for Korea’s first ammonia FSRU vessel, the other for a bunkering tanker in Singapore.
  • H2Carrier and Trelleborg will develop a ship-to-ship ammonia transfer system.
  • And GCMD has unveiled the results of their Singaporean ammonia bunker study. All risks identified for conducting pilot projects were found to be low or mitigable, with work towards those pilots to continue.

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The state-of-play for decarbonising ammonia in Australia: new government report

While the opportunity for Australia to become a world-leading exporter of green molecules is well-established, State of Hydrogen 2022 suggests the best progress to date has been made on a domestic opportunity: decarbonisation of existing ammonia production within Australia. Government support for emerging hydrogen hubs, workforce training and regulatory updates are highlighted as key next steps.

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Scrap “green” and “blue” hydrogen, use emissions intensity instead: new IEA report

The International Energy Agency has proposed a new taxonomy for hydrogen definitions based on emissions intensity, moving away from color labels. In Towards hydrogen definitions based on their emissions intensity, the IEA proposes a set of nine distinct, technology-neutral emissions intensity bands. The report also advocates for an international approach to ensure interoperability between certification schemes, and suggests that a mutual recognition approach based on the IPHE’s emissions methodology is the best way forward.

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India: a future ammonia energy giant

Although a globally significant ammonia producer, India still relies on ammonia & fertilizer imports to support its agricultural sector. In our recent episode of Ammonia Project Features, we explored the potential of domestically-produced renewable ammonia to both replace these imports and position India as an ammonia energy giant. Excellent solar PV resources, plentiful government support and access to “round-the-clock” renewables were all highlighted as key drivers for India to meet its renewable ammonia potential.

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Current certification gaps hindering development of a global market: new IRENA report

IRENA and RMI’s new report Creating a global hydrogen market: Certification to enable trade concludes that there are significant gaps and conflicts in current certification schemes. Inconsistent labelling thresholds, accounting boundaries, and production pathways are the main areas of concern. The report offers several recommendations to support the harmonisation of certification frameworks, warning that schemes cannot continue to develop in a “patchwork” manner.

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Hydrogen Europe: the role of clean ammonia

Peak industry body Hydrogen Europe has released a new report on the potential of clean ammonia production & utilisation in Europe. Although the introduction of renewable hydrogen feedstock presents an obvious opportunity to decarbonise the ammonia industry in Europe, the potential downstream applications of ammonia energy are being neglected by policymakers - particularly power generation and maritime fuel.