Fortescue, a prominent green energy, technology, and metals company headquartered in Australia, has taken a significant step forward in the development of its green ammonia plant in Norway by entrusting the front-end engineering design (FEED) work to Tecnimont, a subsidiary of Italy's Maire. This strategic partnership is geared towards advancing the design intricacies of the Nordgulen fjord facility, encompassing the integration of electrolyzers, the air separation unit for nitrogen production, the ammonia production plant, and the associated storage and ship loading facilities.

Under the agreement, Tecnimont assumes the additional responsibility of formulating an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) proposal, a crucial aspect in materializing the envisioned plant. The primary objective of this cutting-edge facility is to produce green ammonia through electrolyzers, which are powered by renewable hydropower for hydrogen generation. The selection of hydropower as an energy source is noteworthy for its inherent stability over time, providing a dependable foundation for the plant's configuration, operation, and overall efficiency, especially when compared to other renewable sources like wind and solar.

The green ammonia produced at this state-of-the-art facility is intended for distribution to both domestic and European markets. This initiative plays a pivotal role in contributing to the decarbonization efforts of industries that have traditionally proven challenging to transition towards more sustainable practices. Alessandro Bernini, the CEO of Maire, expressed his pride in supporting Norway's sustainable initiatives, specifically focusing on the decarbonization of industries with high emissions, such as the shipping sector, where ammonia serves as a crucial component.

In a significant development, Fortescue secured a substantial grant of €203.7 million from the European Union in December 2023 for the development of the green ammonia plant in Norway. This financial backing underscores the project's significance in advancing sustainable practices in the region and aligns with the broader goals of the European Union in promoting environmentally friendly initiatives.

As of the latest reports, Fortescue has laid out a comprehensive timeline for the project, aiming to commence construction in 2025, with operations anticipated to commence in 2027. However, the realization of these plans is contingent on obtaining final approvals from the board. The strategic collaboration with Tecnimont exemplifies Fortescue's unwavering commitment to harnessing cutting-edge engineering expertise, propelling the successful implementation of its green ammonia plant. This venture not only contributes to Fortescue's strategic objectives but also aligns with the global paradigm shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, exemplifying the company's role as a trailblazer in the green energy sector.