The project is attempting to extract hydrogen from ammonia on a floating terminal

A project aimed at developing an ammonia-to-hydrogen conversion system that could be installed on board a floating terminal has received a €5.9 million (US$6.5 million) grant from the Norwegian government ). The project is being led by Höegh LNG and Wärtsilä, with the companies describing it as a solution to using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for the energy market. If successful, the concept would pave the way for the development of hydrogen energy in a similar way to current offshore LNG terminals.

Hydrogen is difficult to store and transport due to its low volumetric energy density and the potential for large evaporative losses. Ammonia is much more suitable as a transport and carrier material than hydrogen because it can be stored in liquid form at moderate pressures and temperatures. The aim of the project is to be able to convert ammonia back into hydrogen at the destination.

“This important project is a natural extension of Wärtsilä’s investments and efforts to accelerate the use of decarbonized energy,” said Walter Reggente, Vice President of Wärtsilä Gas Solutions. “Hydrogen will play a significant role in future renewable fuel consumption and there is a clear need for the development of ammonia as a hydrogen storage and transport vehicle.”

As a CO2-neutral renewable energy carrier, “green” ammonia is produced from hydrogen, by electrolysis of water, and nitrogen from the air. Green Ammonia acts as a liquid battery with high energy density compared to alternative renewable energy storage and transport solutions. The infrastructure for the large-scale transport of ammonia at sea already exists via a fleet of gas tankers that are already capable of transporting ammonia

The aim of the project is to develop a system for converting ammonia back into hydrogen, which will then be installed on board a Höegh LNG ship. This provides a floating receiving terminal that can be relocated if necessary, using minimal shoreland, and a solution that results in lower overall costs, improved safety and competitive hydrogen prices.

“As a global leader in fast-track LNG floating terminals, we have the technology and expertise essential to developing a strong clean energy value chain,” said Erik Nyheim, CEO and President of Höegh LNG.

The grant from the Norwegian government’s green platform program will make up around half of the total budget. Other partners in the project are the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), the University of South-East Norway, Sustainable Energy and BASF SE.

Source: News Network