Ammonia cracking

Ammonia cracking – Closing the energy value chain

It is the major challenge of our times: The climate crisis. To successfully navigate the energy transition, we need innovative solutions. One of the key elements in the energy world of tomorrow is: Hydrogen.

thyssenkrupp Uhde ammonia cracking plant scene

Hydrogen has many advantages but there is also a disadvantage: While there is great demand in the Northern hemisphere, the most cost-effective production of green hydrogen takes place in the Southern hemisphere. Clean hydrogen is produced by splitting water with green electricity in places where the sun and the wind provide plenty of renewable energy. Liquid hydrogen then could be delivered by ship to places that urgently need it as the distance is too long for pipelines. However, this method is complex and expensive.

The solution: The hydrogen is converted into ammonia together with nitrogen, which is simply extracted from ambient air. With ammonia as a carrier, hydrogen can be transported in a much simpler, more affordable and energy-efficient way via ships. The necessary infrastructure is already in place and well-proven.

Upon arrival at its destination, the ammonia is either burned directly for energy generation or the ammonia is decomposed again into nitrogen, which can simply be released into the atmosphere, and into hydrogen, which is so important for energy transition. The solution for this is called: Ammonia Cracking.

thyssenkrupp is currently the only group of companies worldwide able to provide the entire hydrogen value chain – from water electrolysis to ammonia production and storage to ammonia cracking.

Hydrogen value chain – from water electrolysis to ammonia production and storage to ammonia cracking. — Ammonia usage for energy transport, utilization as an energy carrier or re-conversion to hydrogen

The ammonia cracking process: heating, splitting, cooling, purification

Within the ammonia cracking process, ammonia is cracked into valuable hydrogen. Our ammonia cracking technology is built on a foundation of designs and innovative features that ensure high efficiency and environmental sustainability. The core of our technology is based on the proven Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) process.

Technology features/ innovative nature of the design

Proven SMR-based technology: The core reaction is the decomposition of ammonia over a catalyst in tubular reactors, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
Zero carbon intensity: In our uhde^® ammonia cracking process, ammonia and offgas are used as a burner fuel, resulting in zero carbon intensity.
Advanced Emission Control: NOx and N₂O, which are formed during the combustion of ammonia containing gas will be eliminated with thyssenkrupp Uhde's own DeNOx- and EnviNOx® technology. This cutting-edge technology meets the highest environmental standards, has a long reference list and is a unique selling point. The EnviNOx^® technology is defined as Best Available Technology (BAT) by the European Union.
Low turndown ratios can be reached.
Superior energy efficiency: The uhde^® ammonia cracking process is designed for the highest energy efficiency.

Ammonia cracking process flow by thyssenkrupp Uhde

Company expertise

Image of a state-of-the-art ammonia plant, highlighting our cutting-edge technology and expertise developed since 1928

thyssenkrupp Uhde is one of the leading technology providers in the field of ammonia with its proven uhde® ammonia process. We are a reliable and competent EPC contractor and a world market leader for ammonia plants, with more than 2,500 chemical plants built worldwide and over 100 years of experience. We have a long track record of building ammonia plants. Among the 130 ammonia plants built are some of the largest plants worldwide, frequently setting new industry standards such as the uhde® dual pressure technology. We are constantly improving our designs and technologies, and working towards improved energy efficiencies and higher capacities.

Discover our extensive expertise

Ammonia cracking is the 'missing piece of the puzzle' needed for the large-scale trade of clean hydrogen and thus an essential step towards enabling the green transformation.
Dr. Christian Renk
Head of Technology, Innovation & Sustainability - Fertilizer

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about ammonia and ammonia cracking

Ammonia or NH₃ is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen and is a fundamental building block in the chemical industry because of its wide range of applications. Ammonia is extensively used in the production of fertilizers, which are essential for modern agriculture. 80% of the annual global production of over 170 million metric tons of ammonia is used in this way.

In the context of hydrogen production from ammonia, ammonia serves as an ideal hydrogen carrier. It can be easily liquefied and transported, making it a practical option for storing and shipping hydrogen over long distances.

Advantages of amnmonia as a hydrogen carrier

Transporting liquid hydrogen over long distances, such as by ship, is often complex and expensive due to the need for maintaining extremely low temperatures. This method becomes impractical for locations far from pipelines. However, converting hydrogen into ammonia offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

Here are the advantages of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier:

Simplified Transportation: Ammonia can be transported more easily and at a lower cost compared to liquid hydrogen. It doesn't require the same extreme cryogenic conditions, making the logistics simpler and more affordable.
Energy Efficiency: Transporting hydrogen in the form of ammonia is more energy-efficient. The energy density of ammonia is much higher compared to hydrogen. To transport the same amount of energy, only two ammonia ships are needed compared to three hydrogen ships.
Readily Available Infrastructure: The infrastructure for ammonia transportation is already well-established and proven. 20 million tons were transported by ship in 2020. This means that existing facilities can be used without the need for significant new investments, facilitating a faster and smoother transition to using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier.

By using ammonia as a carrier, hydrogen can be transported to places that urgently need it in a more economical and efficient manner. This method leverages existing infrastructure and reduces overall costs and energy consumption, making it a practical choice for long-distance hydrogen transport.

Green hydrogen is produced where renewable energies are available at low cost - but pipelines are unsuitable for overseas transportation, for example to Europe. Ammonia as an energy carrier is the simplest method of transporting large quantities of hydrogen in an energy-efficient manner. The logistics for ammonia are well-established. Ammonia can be used as fuel for ships during transport and as fuel for turbines. With ammonia cracking, thyssenkrupp Uhde has an innovative process for converting ammonia into hydrogen and in the end, enabling the green transformation.

Further downloads

Clean chemicals brochure by thyssenkrupp Uhde

Clean chemicals
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Ammonia cracking