Import Ammonia

Goodbye leaky oil pipelines, you will not be missed. To support a sustainable, hydrogen fuel economy, Germany has awarded a contract to import ammonia. The nature of imported energy is taking a major turn for the greener. Green hydrogen derivatives are needed for decarbonization.

Model showing the shape of an ammonia molecule. Image by Ben Mills, obtained through Wikimedia (Public Domain).

Ammonia can act as a hydrogen transport molecule. Ammonia is one Nitrogen atom surrounded by three Hydrogen atoms. This molecule is much denser than hydrogen gas, making it easier to transport large quantities. While ammonia has traditionally been made from petroleum, green ammonia is produced by breaking down water and nitrogen gas from the atmosphere with renewable energy. Producing ammonia without fossil fuels will help decarbonize sectors that are difficult to fully electrify.

Germany and many other countries are looking to hydrogen to help their steel and fertilizer industries finally kick their fossil fuel needs. But it takes a lot of energy to make ammonia or hydrogen renewably, more energy than Germany can cover with its current renewable energy capacity. The deal recently announced with Fertiglobe will start delivering green ammonia in 2027. And the deal isn’t small: 259,000 metric tons—the minimum volume—is more than 10% of Germany’s annual ammonia production.

With Germany planning more rounds and further contracts, possibly in cooperation with the Netherlands, imported fuel is taking on a new renewable form.