Yara inaugurates new ammonia import terminal in Germany

Norwegian ammonia trade and shipping company Yara International has officially opened its new ammonia import terminal in Brunsbüttel, Germany, providing the infrastructure to enable imports of up to three million tonnes of low-emission ammonia to Europe annually.

The company inaugurated the new terminal in the presence of representatives from German and Norwegian authorities on October 2. The terminal is part of Yara’s strategy to strengthen its core nitrogen business while generating value-accretive growth in a low-carbon future.

According to the company, up to three million tonnes of low-CO2 ammonia can be imported annually via the terminal in Brunsbüttel, corresponding to 530,000 tonnes of hydrogen or around 5% of the total European hydrogen target for 2030.

Low-emission ammonia is produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity or using carbon capture and storage (CCS) and is seen as an decarbonization product in hard-to-abate sectors. This includes the traditional ammonia use such as fertilizers and new applications such as a low-emission shipping fuel, emission cuts for refineries, power generation, and as a hydrogen carrier.

Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection estimates that up to 70% of future national ammonia requirements will have to be imported by 2030. Therefore, the new terminal in Brunsbüttel, which is located on the North Sea and Kiel Canal, is described as an ideal hub for enabling the hydrogen economy in Germany.

“As the world’s largest shipper and distributer of ammonia, Yara Clean Ammonia is in a pole position to secure low-emission ammonia supply to Germany, at competitive prices. With its leading global ammonia position, Yara can help kick-start the German hydrogen economy, laying the ground for a net zero future,” said Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia.

“For 50 years, we have been manufacturing products of fundamental importance to Germany and Europe here at the Brunsbüttel site. Today’s inauguration represents a new milestone and an important step towards a low-carbon future,” added Sven Kohnke, Plant Manager Yara Brunsbüttel.

The energy partnership between Germany and Norway also played a key role in opening the new import terminal. In June this year, Yara also opened its renewable hydrogen pilot plant in Norway. The plant is said to be the largest of its kind in Europe and represents an important stepping stone towards a low-carbon future.