REGISTRATION
27 Old Gloucester Street
London WC1N 3AX
UNITED KINGDOM
(Company number 14929369)
LONDON OFFICE
50 Grosvenor Hill
London W1K 3QT
UNITED KINGDOM

Ammonia Cracking as the missing link between hydrogen export hubs and European consumers

As European industrials strive to meet the RED III Industry target, which requires 42.5% (or 1.6 million tonnes) of hydrogen consumption to be replaced by RFNBOs by 2030, one critical question remains: How can hydrogen be delivered cost-effectively to refineries and factories in Northwest Europe?

There are two main options on the table:
1. Import hydrogen in the form of ammonia
2. Produce and supply hydrogen onsite

Given the efficiency and cost advantages, hydrogen produced overseas will likely be transported to Europe as ammonia. However, to be used as hydrogen feedstock, this ammonia must first be cracked back into hydrogen.

What is ammonia cracking?
Ammonia cracking is a process that converts ammonia into hydrogen using high temperatures and pressure. While technology is well-established, scaling it up for industrial use—where large quantities of ammonia need to be processed—remains a challenge.

Why ammonia-cracked hydrogen?
Even though ammonia cracking has yet to be proven on an industrial scale, it’s expected to provide a more cost-effective solution than local hydrogen production, especially in Northwest Europe (Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium) where electricity prices are high.

Location is key
Ammonia crackers will likely be located at existing ammonia terminals, benefiting from established commercial activities and proximity to large hydrogen consumers, such as industrial clusters. Moreover, the availability of hydrogen pipelines connecting ports to factories will be crucial for an efficient supply chain.

In summary, ammonia cracking could be the vital link in making large-scale hydrogen imports viable for Europe, helping to meet ambitious renewable energy targets while keeping costs manageable.

Here are some publications that may interest you

How to Bridge the 190 billion Investment Gap in Hydrogen Infrastructure?

In its recent report, H2Global Foundation addressed the challenges faced by securing investment for hydrogen infrastructure. Hydrogen infrastructure includes midstream…

Read more
Australia launches ‘Hydrogen Headstart’, its first nation-wide Green H2 subsidy program

With an estimated project pipeline of $300 billion, and a massive renewable energy potential, Australia aims to be a champion…

Read more
EU grants pre-approval to RFNBO certification

The European Commission has given the green light to three voluntary schemes—CertifHy, ISCC - International Sustainability and Carbon Certification, and…

Read more
South Africa, a future PtX export hub in the future?
South Africa, a future PtX export hub in the future?

South Africa aims to be at the forefront of green hydrogen and derivatives production by utilizing its excellent renewable conditions…

Read more
Japan unveils details of its clean hydrogen and ammonia support scheme

The Japanese government has released details of the clean hydrogen subsidies under the Hydrogen Society Promotion Act, outlining three types…

Read more
The Green Ammonia case

Ammonia, an important feedstock to our economy as it is the 2nd most produced chemical by mass, after sulphuric acid…

Read more