With its significant import capacity, the terminal will play a crucial role in facilitating the German hydrogen strategy and contributing to the country’s energy transition. It will also serve as a vital hub for Europe’s hydrogen economy.
The ammonia can be delivered directly from the terminal to the point of use, where it could be cracked to low-emission hydrogen. The competitiveness of German industry, not least in steel and chemicals, can only be maintained through decarbonization. This can be achieved by cracking low-emission ammonia to hydrogen, for which significant quantities of ammonia will be needed.
Low-emission ammonia is produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity or carbon capture and storage (CCS). Low-emission ammonia has key advantages that makes it attractive as a decarbonization product in hard-to-abate sectors. This includes traditional ammonia uses such as fertilizers, but also new applications such as a low-emission shipping fuel, emission cuts for refineries, power generation, and as a hydrogen carrier.
Demand for low-emission ammonia in Germany is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection estimates that up to 70% of future national ammonia requirements will have to be imported by 2030, with even higher volumes expected afterward.
The terminal is part of Yara’s strategy to strengthen its core nitrogen business while generating value-accretive growth in a low-carbon future.
Hans Olav Raen, CEO Yara Clean Ammonia, said: “As the world’s largest shipper and distributer of ammonia, Yara Clean Ammonia is in a pole position to secure low-emission ammonia supply to Germany, at competitive prices. With its leading global ammonia position, Yara can help kick-start the German hydrogen economy, laying the ground for a net zero future.”
Sven Kohnke, plant manager at Yara Brunsbüttel, added: “For 50 years, we have been manufacturing products of fundamental importance to Germany and Europe here at the Brunsbüttel site. Today’s inauguration represents a new milestone and an important step towards a low-carbon future.”
