In the port of Antwerp, Belgium, Air Liquide announces the development of an industrial-scale ammonia (NH3) cracking pilot plant.
Hydrogen may be carried across great distances with ease when converted to ammonia. This facility will use cutting-edge technology to convert ammonia into hydrogen with a reduced carbon footprint (H2). Air Liquide will contribute to the advancement of hydrogen as a significant facilitator of the energy shift with this cracking technique.
There is currently a worldwide supply chain infrastructure in place for its manufacturing, transit, and extensive use across numerous industries. This enables areas with a lot of renewable energy to export ammonia to consumers all over the world, where it can be transformed back into hydrogen to aid in the decarbonization of industry and transportation.
The pilot plant, which combines an innovative, effective process with exclusive technology from Air Liquide, is scheduled to go into operation in 2024. The initiative will get funding, as confirmed by the Flemish Government through the VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Enterprise).
Air Liquide has mastered the production, delivery, storage, and use of hydrogen for more than 60 years. The Company has pledged to invest roughly 8 billion euros worldwide in the low-carbon hydrogen value chain by 2035 as part of its ADVANCE strategic strategy.
“Ammonia cracking complements Air Liquide’s existing comprehensive portfolio of hydrogen technologies and adds yet another technological solution to support the development of a hydrogen worldwide market,” said Michael J. Graff, Executive Vice President, of Air Liquide Group. The Group is more devoted than ever to making hydrogen a crucial component of the fight against climate change, especially for the decarbonization of heavy industries and transportation.