Air Liquide has made the exciting announcement that it would be building a pilot plant to crack ammonia (NH3) at an industrial scale in the port of Antwerp, Belgium. Hydrogen, once converted into ammonia, is capable of being carried across considerable distances with relative ease.
This facility, which makes use of cutting-edge technology, will make it feasible to convert ammonia into hydrogen while minimizing the plant’s overall carbon impact (H2). Air Liquide will be able to make a further contribution to the development of hydrogen as a major facilitator of the energy transition with the help of this cracking technology.
Revolutionary breaking technique converts ammonia into hydrogen.
The molecule ammonia, which is composed of hydrogen and nitrogen, has the potential to function as a transporter of energy. Hydrogen may be used in regions where there is an abundance of renewable energy sources such as the sun, water, and wind, or other low-carbon power sources, to manufacture it in a way that leaves a small carbon imprint.
To support a wide range of business sectors, a worldwide supply chain infrastructure has already been established to facilitate the manufacturing, shipping, and widespread use of the product in question. This makes it possible for areas that have an abundance of renewable energy to export ammonia to end users in other parts of the world. Once there, the ammonia may be turned back into hydrogen and contribute to the decarbonization of industry as well as mobility.
It is anticipated that the revolutionary pilot plant, which integrates Air Liquide’s patented technology with a newly developed and highly effective process, would go into operation in 2024. The VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), which represents the Flemish government, has announced that they would be providing financial assistance to the initiative.
Over the course of more than 60 years, Air Liquide has perfected every stage of the hydrogen manufacturing process, including transport, storage, distribution, and ultimate uses. The Company has committed, within the context of its ADVANCE strategic plan, to investing about 8 billion euros throughout the world in the low-carbon hydrogen value chain by the year 2035.
