Enova has granted Yara NOK 283.25 million to develop a green ammonia initiative. The Herya ammonia plant in Porsgrunn has now taken its first official step toward decarbonization.
As Norway’s second-largest source of CO2 emissions outside the oil and gas industry, Yara’s fertilizer factory at Herya emits 800,000 tonnes annually. Hydrogen, which is converted to ammonia during the fertilizer production process, is an essential component. Today, hydrogen is made from liquefied fossil gas, rather than electrolysis. Yara will be able to produce emission-free ammonia by using hydrogen produced from renewable energy.
“Norway has the unique opportunity to take a leading position in the green transition, but the window of opportunity is limited. That is why this decision is so important and will be able to help accelerate a new, Norwegian industrial adventure. Green ammonia is a versatile, climate friendly input factor and hydrogen energy carrier. Emission free ammonia is the key to reducing emissions from world food production and long-distance shipping,” says Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Yara.
Corporation’s board of directors decided to invest in a 24-MW demonstration plant, which will be used to demonstrate and verify quality of Yara’s technology. The world’s largest green ammonia plant will be built here.
Approximately 41,000 tons of CO2 will be saved each year as a result of renewable energy replacing fossil fuels. Between 60,000 and 80,000 tonnes of green fossil-free mineral fertilizer will be produced each year as a result of the plant’s hydrogen production.
“The project aims to supply the first green ammonia products to the market as early as mid-2023, both as fossil free fertilizer, as well as fuel for ships. We move from good intentions to actions, the investment decision has been made and the project begins now,” says Magnus Ankarstrand, director of Yara Clean Ammonia.
To ensure that Yara’s plans to reduce their own emissions are met, Holsether stresses the importance of this move.
“Yara has already cut its own emissions by about 45 percent since 2005 and will continue to reduce its own emissions and emissions from power production by an additional 30 percent within 2030. We are very pleased that the authorities support the investment and has granted us the necessary permits and the financial support from Enova,” says Holsether.
It is up to the ESA to approve Enova’s funds and support.
