Air Liquide will work with KBR to offer fully integrated low-carbon ammonia solutions based on autothermal reforming (ATR) technology, contributing to the development of a global low-carbon hydrogen market.
The Air Liquide and KBR solutions can achieve energy efficiency and reliability, with a production process which also allows for a carbon capture rate of up to 99% in highly integrated industrial facilities when combined with carbon capture technology.
The global ammonia market size reached approximately US$78 billion in 2022 and is projected to surpass US$129 billion by 2030; it is expected to grow by 6.5%/yr on average between 2022 and 2030, according to Precedence Research.
In the longer term, Air Liquide and KBR will work together to contribute to the development of low-carbon hydrogen as a key enabler of the energy transition. Ammonia can be easily transported over long distances and a global supply chain infrastructure is already in place for the production, transportation and utilisation of ammonia at large-scale. In March 2023, Air Liquide announced the construction of an industrial-scale ammonia cracking pilot plant in the port of Antwerp, Belgium. Using innovative technology, this plant will make it possible to convert ammonia into hydrogen with an optimised carbon footprint.
Michael J. Graff, Executive Vice President, Air Liquide Group, said: “Through this new offering, Air Liquide and KBR will combine their respective expertise to provide efficient, reliable and competitive solutions for the production of ammonia and help the sector engage its low-carbon transition. These will enable customers to grow their business with an optimised carbon footprint, while also contributing to the development of the global hydrogen market.”