Air Liquide converts ammonia into hydrogen

This technology proven at the industrial scale for the development of world scale ammonia cracking plants enables access to low-carbon and renewable hydrogen for the decarbonisation of industry and mobility.

The ability to efficiently transport hydrogen over long distances is a persistent challenge in developing a robust global hydrogen economy. Ammonia (NH₃), formed by hydrogen and nitrogen molecules, emerges as a valuable hydrogen carrier. It can be cost-effectively produced in regions rich in renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro, and wind or other low-carbon power. A well-established global infrastructure already exists for the large scale production, transportation, and utilisation of ammonia. This allows for the export of ammonia from energy-abundant regions to end-users worldwide, where it can then be ‘cracked’ back into hydrogen, providing a crucial component for decarbonising industry and mobility.

This new, proprietary ammonia cracking technology expands Air Liquide's portfolio for low-carbon and renewable hydrogen production. As part of the successful development of this unit, key proprietary innovations were developed across critical areas including process safety, material testing, advanced catalysis for ammonia cracking, ammonia combustion, and efficient molecule separation.

Armelle Levieux, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, stated: “The commissioning of our ammonia cracking pilot unit in Antwerp is a key milestone. This is a world first which paves the way for new low-carbon hydrogen supply chains. By proving the viability of industrial scale ammonia cracking, Air Liquide demonstrates its capacity to innovate and provide concrete solutions for its customers, and contributing to the Energy Transition.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/19112025/air-liquide-converts-ammonia-into-hydrogen/