World’s first floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker developed

Höegh Evi and Wärtsilä Gas Solutions have successfully completed the development of the world’s first floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker. This technology enables floating import terminals to produce hydrogen at an industrial scale from transported ammonia.

The ammonia cracker has a modular design that allows integration into both hybrid Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) and dedicated Floating Hydrogen Terminals. The technology is highly scalable, with a send-out capacity of up to 210,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually. Ammonia storage can range from 10,000 m³ to 120,000 m³.

Announced in April 2023, the project has received approximately €5.9 million in funding from the Norwegian Government’s Green Platform programme, representing approximately 50% of the total budget. The ammonia cracker was constructed at Sustainable Energy’s Norwegian Catapult Center in Stord, Norway. Additional partners in the project include the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), University of South-Eastern Norway, Sustainable Energy, and BASF SE.

Erik Nyheim, CEO of Höegh Evi, said: “The floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker developed by Höegh Evi, Wärtsilä and partners is a game-changer for the hydrogen economy and the energy transition in Europe. Our floating terminals and cracking technology can unlock the full potential of global value chains for green hydrogen, providing European industry with a reliable supply of clean energy within this decade.”

Walter Reggente, Vice President of Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, added: “This pioneering development of the floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker represents a significant leap forward in our quest for sustainable energy solutions. Together with Höegh Evi and our partners, we are not only addressing the challenges of hydrogen storage and transportation but also paving the way for a more resilient and flexible energy infrastructure.”

Picture of HTW Editorial Team

HTW Editorial Team

News brought to you by our editorial team. We are a knowledge platform – driving technology to the global hydrogen community. If you wish to contribute your press, please contact us.