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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

YAMNA-The UK launches round 2 of the Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR) funding program: Strong steps positioning the UK as a H2 hub?
The UK launches round 2 of the Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR) funding program: Strong steps positioning the UK as a H2 hub?

With ambitious hydrogen capacity targets for 6 GW of green hydrogen and 4 GW of blue hydrogen adopted for 2030,…

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EU’s Clean Industrial Deal: What’s in it for Hydrogen?
EU’s Clean Industrial Deal: What’s in it for Hydrogen?

The EU Commission rolled out the Clean Industrial Deal, a major push to keep European industries competitive while staying on…

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It's no secret that today's aviation sector is critical for economic and social growth. But this sector heavily relies on fossil fuels and hence arises the issue with emissions.
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) case

It's no secret that today's aviation sector is critical for economic and social growth. But this sector heavily relies on…

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Green steel to boost Europe’s industrial decarbonisation
Green steel to boost Europe’s industrial decarbonisation

European steel and metals Industry is at a crossroads. Steel remains one of the most carbon-intensive industries, responsible for 5%…

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South Korea Selects a Bidder in the First Clean Hydrogen Power Auction

South Korea announced the result of its first power auction focused on clean hydrogen and ammonia under the Clean Hydrogen…

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Water for hydrogen production: Building a sustainable hydrogen industry - Yamna
Water for hydrogen production: Building a sustainable hydrogen industry

Water is required as an input for production and as a cooling medium for all types of hydrogen production. Currently,…

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