KBR Signs MOU with SolydEra for Clean Ammonia Ventures
- 04-Oct-2023 6:36 PM
- Journalist: Kim Chul Son
KBR has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SolydEra, marking a significant partnership aimed at offering a comprehensive solution for the cost-effective production of clean ammonia utilizing renewable energy sources.
The essence of this collaboration revolves around the integration of SolydEra's Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOE) technology with KBR's proprietary K-GreeN® process. This innovative amalgamation of technologies seeks to facilitate the global production of green ammonia.
The collective capabilities of KBR and SolydEra are anticipated to result in highly competitive levelized costs for carbon-neutral ammonia. This strategic move aims to accelerate the global energy transition towards cleaner and more sustainable alternatives.
Doug Kelly, President of Technology at KBR, expressed his satisfaction with collaborating with SolydEra to pioneer new avenues for sustainable green ammonia production. He emphasized the significance of KBR's zero-carbon green ammonia technology and its synergy with SolydEra's efficient Solid Oxide Electrolyser, which is expected to drive cost efficiencies essential for making clean ammonia a compelling energy alternative.
Ammonia is a vital and widely produced chemical worldwide, and its demand is expected to experience exponential growth as the global energy transition unfolds.
Martin Füllenbach, Chairman and CEO of SolydEra, highlighted the role of SolydEra's innovative SOE technology in contributing to the development of an efficient carbon-neutral ammonia production system. For over two decades, SolydEra has been at the forefront of developing and mass-producing energy solutions, primarily based on its proprietary Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and stack technology. This technology has powered over 3,000 power and heat systems.
In a related development, KBR recently secured a multi-year service contract from Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. for developing their enterprise-level Smart Factory project. This contract encompasses the operations of DFPCL's four nitric acid plants situated in Dahej and Taloja, India.
Moreover, KBR will provide technology licensing, proprietary engineering design, equipment, catalyst, and FEED services for a plant capacity of up to 1000MW, located at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex. The HyNet project encompasses hydrogen production, supply, and carbon capture and sequestration to support decarbonization efforts in energy-intensive sectors within a region characterized by concentrated conventional energy usage.
KBR's rich history in licensing, designing, and engineering ammonia plants dates back to 1943. Green ammonia is recognized as a pivotal element in facilitating the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. It can be employed directly as a carbon-free fertilizer, a hydrogen transport fuel, or as a chemical component. Notably, ammonia production accounts for approximately 45% of current global hydrogen consumption, with a predominant reliance on fossil-derived sources. The shift to renewable ammonia offers an early opportunity for decarbonizing the chemical sector and represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.