AFC Energy launches ammonia cracker subsidiary

September 20, 2024, by Aida Čučuk

AFC Energy, a UK-based provider of hydrogen power generation technologies, has launched Hyamtec, a wholly-owned subsidiary established to commercialize the company’s next-generation distributed ammonia cracking business.

The company said that Hyamtec will drive the commercialization of ammonia cracking technology, offering “low-cost and scalable” on-demand hydrogen production for industrial and mobile applications.

According to AFC, Hyamtec’s cracker technology has demonstrated its flexibility to integrate with both ammonia combustion engines and technologies to purify hydrogen for fuel cell applications, and it offers a practical, scalable solution for industries facing high decarbonization costs and infrastructure challenges.

The key markets that Hyamtec is targeting are:

hydrogen-rich fuel gas for decarbonizing industrial heat generation applications;
ammonia conversion for large capacity combustion engines in power generation, marine and mining sectors; and
modular, purified hydrogen production for fuel cells and transport applications.

Mike Rendall, Managing Director of Hyamtec, commented: “With over £40bn spent per annum on natural gas in the UK alone by industrial users, the global opportunity to displace fossil fuels in industry with ammonia is immense. Hyamtec is focused on fast tracking the decarbonisation of industry through ammonia and our ammonia cracking technologies. We have seen strong interest from investors and partners alike in our technology and market strategies, and as a leading pioneer in this sector, we look forward to partnering with industry to support the rapid decarbonisation of the world’s hardest to abate sectors.”

Gary Bullard, Chief Executive of AFC Energy, stated: “The global transition to net zero is driving the urgent need for innovative hydrogen solutions, and ammonia cracking is emerging as a key enabler for industries aiming to decarbonise. With years of investment behind us, AFC Energy has built a robust ammonia cracking technology that aligns perfectly with the needs of heavy industry. The creation of Hyamtec allows us to fully capitalise on this technology, bringing it to market in a way that unlocks new growth opportunities, both in the UK and globally.”

“We are excited to offer a scalable solution that can significantly lower hydrogen costs for industrial use without requiring extensive new infrastructure. This approach, combined with the strength of our existing fuel cell business, positions us to provide dual pathways for cleaner energy solutions. By showcasing the unique potential of Hyamtec, we invite strategic partners and investors to join us in accelerating the adoption of hydrogen technologies and driving the next wave of industrial decarbonisation.”

To note, ammonia is considered an enabler to the international trade of hydrogen where hydrogen is transported by ship in the form of ammonia and then cracked back into hydrogen at its target import destination.