Syzygy Plasmonics and Lotte Chemical Achieve Hydrogen Breakthrough with Ammonia in Asia

In a groundbreaking development in the hydrogen energy sector, Syzygy Plasmonics, in collaboration with Lotte Chemical, has successfully completed performance testing of the world’s largest all-electric ammonia cracking system. This historic project, which took place in Ulsan, South Korea, showcased the exciting potential of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier, promising a cleaner and more sustainable energy future in Asia.

The testing was conducted at Lotte Chemical’s facility and supported logistically by Sumitomo Corporation. This marks the second installation of Syzygy's innovative Rigel™ reactor cell, which previously demonstrated stellar results at their facility in Houston, Texas, where over 2,500 hours of successful operations were logged.

Ammonia, when utilized as a hydrogen carrier, provides a more efficient method for shipping and storing hydrogen. Traditional hydrogen transport requires compression and cooling to extreme temperatures, which complicates logistics. By turning low-carbon hydrogen into ammonia—a process that combines it with nitrogen—Syzygy and Lotte have opened up new avenues for transporting hydrogen in a more manageable form.

Dr. Suman Khatiwada, Co-founder and CTO of Syzygy, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, "Lotte and Syzygy made history with this project. This is the breakthrough that Korea, Japan, and Eastern Europe have been waiting for. They now have an efficient, proven way to crack imported ammonia for hydrogen."

The performance results from this testing phase demonstrate exceptional capabilities, with the Rigel cell achieving impressive energy efficiency of 81% and a hydrogen conversion rate of 99%. The testing process involved manipulating flow rates and light intensity, ultimately producing a record of 290 kg of hydrogen per day, with a performance benchmark of 11 kWh/kg.

With these significant results in hand, Syzygy is now focusing on the commercial deployment of this technology. The company is looking to partner further with Lotte Chemical to identify suitable applications for building a small commercial ammonia cracking plant—an essential step towards meeting South Korea’s increasing demand for hydrogen while promoting sustainable clean energy.

The successful completion of this trial is a vital moment that underscores the importance of collaboration across various sectors, including energy, transportation, and manufacturing, in pursuing carbon-neutral solutions. The outcomes represent a clear pathway for the proliferation of hydrogen economies, particularly in energy-importing regions like South Korea, which are keenly exploring ways to enhance energy security and sustainability.

As the world anticipates a shift towards low-carbon technologies, projects like the one undertaken by Syzygy and Lotte Chemical serve as critical milestones. They not only alleviate logistical concerns associated with hydrogen transport but also facilitate a more extensive adoption of clean energy systems that could play a pivotal role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The journey towards cleaner hydrogen, fueled by innovations in ammonia processing, holds great promise for the future of energy.

With the rigorous performance testing completed and certifications secured, the stage is set for commercial endeavors that will genuinely transform the energy landscape. Syzygy and Lotte Chemical continue to lead the charge in making hydrogen accessible and practical, setting a precedent for future energy solutions in Asia and beyond.