Technology major, Wartsila Corp. along with Norway-based Höegh LNG and other partners: Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), University of South-East Norway, Sustainable Energy, and BASF SE have received funding of ~EUR 5.9 million from the Norwegian government for the development of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for the energy market.
This project is designed to boost the availability of large-scale storage and transportation capabilities of clean energy. The funding is a part of Norway's Green Platform programme of initiatives and amounts to ~50 percent of the total budget for the joint project.
"This important project is a natural extension of the investments and efforts made by Wärtsilä to accelerate the use of decarbonised energy. Hydrogen will play a considerable role in future renewable fuel consumption, and there is a clear need for the development of Ammonia as a storage and transportation carrier for hydrogen," said Walter Reggente, Vice President of Wärtsilä Gas Solutions.
"We are grateful to the Norwegian government for its support and funding, and we appreciate also the cooperation of Höegh LNG and our other partners in making this project possible."
Hydrogen, though considered a future fuel, is quite difficult to store and transport owing to its low volumetric energy density and its potential for large vaporization losses. Ammonia, on the other hand, can be stored in liquid form at moderate pressures and temperatures— thereby making it more suitable for the purpose of transportation and storage.
"The objective of the project is to enable ammonia to be converted back to hydrogen at the receiving destination," Wartsila said in its official statement.
This hydrogen will then be installed onboard a Höegh LNG vessel. This will provide a floating receiving terminal capable of being relocated as needed, requiring minimal use of coastal land and resulting in lower overall cost, improved safety, and competitive hydrogen prices.
"As a world leading provider of fast-track floating LNG terminals, we are well-positioned to support the transition to clean, carbon-free energy. New and innovative solutions will need to be developed and we look forward to working together to ensure we remain at the forefront of the energy transition," said Erik Nyheim, CEO and President of Höegh LNG.