Yara Launches Ammonia Import Terminal in Germany, Boosting Hydrogen Economy Efforts

Yara Launches Ammonia Import Terminal in Germany, Boosting Hydrogen Economy Efforts

(IN BRIEF) Yara International has officially opened its new ammonia import terminal in Brunsbüttel, Germany, strategically located along the North Sea and Kiel Canal. This facility is set to import up to three million tonnes of low-emission ammonia annually, making Yara a key contributor to Germany’s hydrogen economy. The terminal’s capacity equates to about 530,000 tonnes of hydrogen, representing roughly 5% of Europe’s hydrogen target for 2030. The terminal will enable direct delivery of ammonia for conversion into hydrogen, supporting the decarbonization of essential industries such as steel and chemicals. Low-emission ammonia, produced through renewable energy or carbon capture, is expected to see rising demand in Germany, with projections indicating that 70% of the country’s ammonia needs will be imported by 2030. The partnership between Germany and Norway is crucial, as demonstrated by Yara’s recent launch of the largest renewable hydrogen pilot plant in Europe.

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 3-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Yara International has officially inaugurated its new ammonia import terminal in Brunsbüttel, Germany, a strategic location along the North Sea and Kiel Canal. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to facilitate the import of up to three million tonnes of low-emission ammonia annually, positioning Yara as a key player in advancing Germany’s hydrogen economy.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from both German and Norwegian authorities, marking a significant milestone in Yara’s ongoing commitment to enhance its nitrogen business while pursuing sustainable growth in a low-carbon environment. “As the world’s leading shipper and distributor of ammonia, Yara Clean Ammonia is uniquely positioned to provide low-emission ammonia to Germany at competitive prices. This initiative will play a crucial role in igniting the German hydrogen economy and paving the way for a net-zero future,” stated Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia. The terminal’s capacity equates to around 530,000 tonnes of hydrogen, representing approximately 5% of Europe’s total hydrogen target for 2030.

With its strategic import capacity, the Brunsbüttel terminal will significantly support Germany’s hydrogen strategy and facilitate the country’s energy transition. The location serves as a central hub not only for Germany but also for the broader European hydrogen market.

“For half a century, our Brunsbüttel facility has been producing essential products for Germany and Europe. Today’s opening signifies a major step towards a sustainable, low-carbon future,” remarked Sven Kohnke, plant manager at Yara Brunsbüttel.

The ammonia imported through this terminal can be directly supplied to end-users, where it can be converted into low-emission hydrogen. The decarbonization of key German industries, particularly in steel and chemicals, relies on the availability of significant quantities of low-emission ammonia for hydrogen production.

Low-emission ammonia is generated through renewable electricity via electrolysis or by employing carbon capture and storage (CCS) techniques. This versatile product offers several advantages for decarbonization across various sectors, including traditional uses such as fertilizers and innovative applications in low-emission shipping fuels, emission reductions for refineries, power generation, and hydrogen transportation.

Anticipated demand for low-emission ammonia in Germany is set to rise sharply in the coming years, with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection projecting that up to 70% of the nation’s ammonia needs will require imports by 2030, a figure expected to increase thereafter.

The energy partnership between Germany and Norway is pivotal in this endeavor. Earlier this year, Yara inaugurated its renewable hydrogen pilot plant in Norway, which is the largest of its kind in Europe and a vital step toward achieving a low-carbon future.

About Yara

Yara’s mission is to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. We pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth through reducing emissions from crop nutrition production and developing low-emission energy solutions. Yara’s ambition is focused on growing a nature-positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders, and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain.

To drive the green shift in fertilizer production, shipping, and other energy intensive industries, Yara will produce ammonia with significantly lower emissions. We provide digital tools for precision farming and work closely with partners at all levels of the food value chain to share knowledge and promote more efficient and sustainable solutions.

The world’s largest ammonia provider, we will unlock the low-carbon and renewable value chains and drive the development of clean ammonia, a hydrogen carrier, globally. Yara operates the largest global ammonia network with 13 ships, access to 18 ammonia terminals and multiple ammonia production and consumption sites across the world, incl. Brunsbüttel in Germany.

The world’s largest AdBlue® (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) producer, Yara will capture further growth opportunities in the transport sector – incl. low-carbon and renewable fuel for the shipping industry and in multiple industrial applications, incl. power
production. The Brunsbüttel plant currently has an annual production capacity of 800,000 tons of ammonia, 770,000 tonnes of urea and 1,8 million tonnes of AdBlue.

Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industry’s only global crop nutrition company. With 18,000 employees and operations in more than 60 countries, sustainability is an integral part of our business model. In 2023, Yara reported revenues of USD 15.5 billion. For more information, visit www.yara.com.

Media Contacts:

Mechthild Mohr
Yara Deutschland
E-mail: mechthild.mohr@yara.com
Mobile: + 49 151 169 54754

Hilde Steinfeld
Yara Clean Ammonia
E-mail: hilde.steinfeld@yara.com
Mobile: + 47 993 53 030

SOURCE: Yara International ASA