AFC Energy unveils first modular ammonia cracker system for hydrogen production

AFC Energy plc, a leader in hydrogen power and generation technologies, has proudly announced the launch of its revolutionary modular ammonia cracker system. This system is recognized as the world’s largest operational demonstration of converting ammonia to hydrogen. With a cash consideration deal, AFC Energy’s system is designed to produce 140 tonnes of fuel cell grade hydrogen annually, equal to 400kg per day.

Strategic Partnership and Ammonia Supply Chain

The ammonia, crucial for this process, is supplied by OCI Global, a major player in hydrogen-based products, through its Rotterdam terminal. This partnership underscores the importance of ammonia in the global hydrogen trade, providing a lower barrier for its adoption as a hydrogen carrier fuel. Notably, AFC Energy has also signed a Letter of Intent with a leading European energy company to market this groundbreaking technology.

The Importance of Ammonia in Hydrogen Transport and Logistics

The demonstration plant, showcasing AFC Energy’s pioneering technology, emphasizes the significant role ammonia plays in supporting global hydrogen logistics. The Hydrogen Council, alongside McKinsey and Company, predicts that 400 million tons of the 660 million tons of hydrogen required for carbon neutrality by 2050 will be transported over long distances, largely in the form of ammonia.

AFC Energy’s Forward-Looking Plans and Technology Advancements

AFC Energy’s ammonia cracker technology, which received validation from the UK’s National Physical Laboratory earlier this year, is set for a retrofit in 2024, promising improved cost and efficiency. The company plans to containerize the ammonia cracker platform, aiming to enable mobile, distributed hydrogen production, particularly in European and Asian markets. This strategic move positions AFC Energy at the forefront of the emerging global market for hydrogen production.

CEO’s Vision for the Future of Hydrogen Market

Adam Bond, Chief Executive of AFC Energy, envisions the ammonia cracker as a key innovation in addressing the challenges of hydrogen logistics and transport. He highlights the system’s market-leading efficiency, low power consumption, and its ability to produce fuel cell grade hydrogen. Bond sees this pilot project as a major step forward in leveraging green and blue ammonia for decarbonized hydrogen production, revolutionizing the global hydrogen market.

This announcement by AFC Energy represents a major milestone in the field of sustainable energy technology, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and its potential to deliver substantial value in the evolving global hydrogen market.