Danish electrolyser supplier Topsoe has secured a contract from the hydrogen unit of Chinese metals group Mintal to provide the technology for a large-scale green ammonia plant at Baotou in Inner Mongolia.

The plant, which is scheduled to start up in 2025, will have an initial production capacity of 1,800t/d.

Topsoe says it will be China’s first commercial green hydrogen plant with “dynamic” technology, capable of adapting to fluctuating power supply from wind turbines connected directly to the electrolysis unit.

“Establishing a commercial-size green ammonia plant in Baotou really is a breakthrough in China for producing carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals. Naturally, we are very pleased that we are now able to start construction of this landmark project, which will support China’s move to a greener economy,” says Xiaolong Fu, general manager of Mintal Hydrogen.

1,800t/day – Project’s first phase production target

The plant’s output will replace about 850,000t/yr of coal used by local industry, the Chinese company says.

Inner Mongolia has vast potential for developing wind power capacity, positioning it for green hydrogen and ammonia production at scale. Mintal estimates the region has the potential for 150GW of wind power, which would account for about 40pc of total Chinese capacity.

The province aims to install green hydrogen capacity of 500,000t/yr by 2025, about twice the target set by China’s central government, according to the IEA.

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Author: Stuart Penson