Hydrogen technology firm Topsoe has partnered with fellow Danish companies Skovgaard Energy and wind turbine manufacturer Vestas to launch a “world first” green ammonia production project that can adapt to fluctuating renewable power supplies.

The demonstration plant, located in Ramme in Denmark’s western Jutland region, has a production capacity of 5,000t/yr. It is equipped with advanced technology designed to adapt to the intrinsic fluctuations in power supply during its electrolysis and ammonia synthesis loop. This innovation is expected to ensure optimal production and enhance cost-effectiveness.

The plant will draw power from renewable sources, including 50MW from newly installed solar panels and 12MW from existing Vestas wind turbines, ensuring the ammonia produced is fully green.

“We have achieved a milestone in Denmark. 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,” said Niels Erik Madsen, CEO at Skovgaard Energy.

The collaboration has received DKK81m ($12m) in funding from the Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program, which views the initiative as a “demonstration project” that will prevent 8,200t of CO₂ from being emitted into the atmosphere yearly.

“With this new facility, we are taking an important step, which will benefit both Denmark and the rest of the world. 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,” said Kim Hedegaard, CEO of power-to-X at Topsoe.

Green ammonia is poised to play a crucial role in the global transition to net zero, as it can be efficiently transported using existing infrastructure, which helps to minimise costs. It also has multiple applications, including use as a fuel and as a hydrogen carrier, making it an essential component in the decarbonisation of various industries, including in energy-intensive sectors like steel and cement production.

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Author: Razel Ahmed