#Norway #Höegh Evi #Hydrogen Economy #Wärtsilä #Stord

Revolutionary Floating Ammonia-to-Hydrogen Cracker

Höegh Evi, a key player in marine energy infrastructure, in collaboration with Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, has made a significant stride in the energy sector by launching the world's first floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker. This project, rooted in Norway's green platform initiative, promises to transform the way hydrogen is produced and delivered in Europe. With its innovative approach, the technology is set to enable floating terminals to generate hydrogen in industrial-scale quantities directly from imported ammonia, marking a pivotal moment in the transition towards cleaner energy.

A Game-Changer in Energy Transition

The newly developed industrial-scale ammonia cracker is distinguished by its modular design, which facilitates seamless integration into both hybrid Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) and specialized Floating Hydrogen Terminals. This modularity allows for a remarkable annual hydrogen production capacity of up to 210,000 tonnes. The system's ammonia storage capabilities are equally impressive, ranging from 10,000m³ to 120,000m³, further enhancing its scalability and accessibility.

Erik Nyheim, CEO of Höegh Evi, emphasizes the game-changing potential of this technology: “The floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker developed by our team is a significant boost for the hydrogen economy and the broader energy transition in Europe. This innovative approach unlocks the comprehensive potential of global value chains for green hydrogen, ensuring a stable supply for European industries in the near future.”

Walter Reggente, Vice President of Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, shares Nyheim's excitement, noting, “This pioneering development not only addresses the pressing concerns around hydrogen storage and transportation but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient and adaptable energy infrastructure.”

Funding and Collaborative Efforts

The initiative has received substantial backing, with approximately EUR 5.9 million allocated from the Norwegian Government's green platform program, representing about half of the overall project budget. Constructed at Sustainable Energy’s Norwegian Catapult Center in Stord, the ammonia cracker has gained support from various partners, including the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), the University of South-East Norway, Sustainable Energy, and BASF SE. Håkon Haugli, CEO of Innovation Norway, reiterates the importance of this venture, stating, “The future of energy is green, and we are committed to advancing the technologies required to realize this vision.”

Aligning with European Hydrogen Goals

In accordance with the EU's REPower strategy, which aims to import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually by 2030, the developed ammonia cracking technology is poised to play a critical role. As Europe progresses towards establishing a hydrogen grid, floating infrastructure equipped with this cutting-edge technology can facilitate large-scale hydrogen imports, providing stable energy sources for challenging sectors. Höegh Evi is actively pursuing multiple hydrogen terminal projects across Europe, aiming to initiate operations before the 2030 deadline.

The Importance of Ammonia Cracking in Clean Energy

As the world pivots away from fossil fuels, hydrogen is emerging as a sustainable fuel source, especially in regions with abundant renewable energy. However, hydrogen storage and transport pose considerable challenges due to its low volumetric energy density and significant vaporization losses. In contrast, ammonia proves to be a superior alternative, as it can be stored in liquid form under moderate pressures and temperatures, and shipped over extensive distances. Upon arrival, the ammonia cracker will convert the ammonia back into hydrogen for introduction into the core energy grid.

About Höegh Evi

For over 50 years, Höegh Evi has established itself as a trailblazer in floating energy infrastructure, boasting one of the largest fleets of FSRUs for natural gas imports. The company is now actively developing the essential infrastructure for a sustainable energy transition, including floating terminals for ammonia and hydrogen importation, the world’s first floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker, and comprehensive services for carbon transport and permanent storage. With a dedicated workforce of 900 employees both onshore and offshore, Höegh Evi remains committed to facilitating effective energy solutions worldwide. Learn more at hoeghevi.com.

About Wärtsilä

As a front-runner in technological innovation for marine and energy markets, Wärtsilä focuses on sustainable technology and service solutions that enhance customer performance environmentally and economically. With a workforce of 18,300 professionals across 230 locations in 77 countries, Wärtsilä is dedicated to driving decarbonization efforts across various sectors. The company recorded net sales of EUR 6.4 billion in 2024 and is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. More information can be found at wartsila.com.