Ammonia cracking

An innovative, low-carbon / renewable technology converting ammonia into pure hydrogen, offering optimal efficiency with zero direct CO₂ emissions.

Hydrogen is key to the energy transition. Ammonia (NH₃) is ideal for long-distance transport. Our cracking technology efficiently reconverts it into pure hydrogen, decarbonizing industry at scale.

What is ammonia cracking?

Ammonia cracking is a thermal and catalytic process that transforms ammonia (NH₃) into pure hydrogen (H₂) and nitrogen (N₂).

As a global technology partner dedicated to the energy transition and deep tech, Air Liquide Engineering & Technologies provides a cutting-edge solution to unlock hydrogen's full potential. Ammonia can be produced with a low carbon footprint in renewable-rich regions, transported via existing global infrastructures, and flexibly stored and efficiently converted at the point of consumption.

Key benefits and performance:

Exceptional efficiency: Uses proprietary technology and next-generation reactor tubes to maximize heat integration.
Zero direct CO₂ emissions: The furnace combustion is fueled by residual nitrogen, hydrogen, and ammonia, generating no direct CO₂.
Integrated expertise: Backed by over 60 years of proven experience across the entire hydrogen value chain, from production to storage. Designed for reliable operations meeting the high standards of industrial clients and EPCs.
Flexibility: Designed for the end use and offering optimizations for RFNBO hydrogen, power production, carbon free cracking, enhanced hydrogen recovery and lowest OPEX including external fuel utilization.

A streamlined four-step process

Our technology relies on a rigorous, proven process to guarantee maximum hydrogen purity:

Cracking: Gaseous ammonia is heated to over 500°C in a catalytic furnace, splitting it into nitrogen and hydrogen.
Cooling: The hot gases are cooled inside the reactor tubes reducing fuel demand and increasing overall energy efficiency.
Cleaning: Residual ammonia is absorbed and recovered in a dedicated wash column. After distillation the anhydrous ammonia is recycled either to the feed or fuel stream.
Separation: Hydrogen is purified using a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) system. The remaining nitrogen and hydrogen are routed to the fuel system. Optionally, hydrogen can be recovered for enhanced hydrogen yield.

The key link in the global supply chain

Ammonia benefits from a well-established global logistics supply chain for its production, transport and storage. By deploying our cracking technology at the heart of industrial basins, we bridge the gap between renewable energy production regions and markets requiring vast volumes of low-carbon hydrogen. Ammonia cracking can compensate for local fluctuations of renewable energy production. This strategic approach secures the energy transition while providing competitive, highly reliable solutions for our partners and investors.

Proving reliability at scale: The Antwerp pilot plant

To demonstrate the industrial viability of our solution, we have deployed a cutting-edge ammonia cracking pilot plant at the Port of Antwerp, Belgium. This operational facility utilizes our proprietary technology to efficiently convert ammonia into pure hydrogen with an optimized carbon footprint. Serving as a crucial technological milestone, the Antwerp demonstration unit proves the real-world performance and safety of our process. By bridging global renewable energy production with local industrial demand, this pilot paves the way for the large-scale deployment of low-carbon hydrogen supply chains worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the ammonia cracking process?

It is a catalytic process that heats gaseous ammonia to over 500°C, efficiently splitting it into pure hydrogen and nitrogen.

Does this ammonia cracking technology emit CO₂?

No. The catalytic furnace combustion is fueled entirely by residual nitrogen, hydrogen and ammonia from the process, generating zero direct CO₂ emissions. The use of renewable ammonia as feed to the cracker and of low-carbon transportation fuel allows for a minimum carbon footprint of the entire conversion chain.

How is the hydrogen purified after the ammonia is cracked?

After cooling and washing out residual ammonia, the hydrogen is highly purified using an integrated Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) system.

Which catalyst is used in the process?

Our process allows for the use of different commercially available catalyst types. Catalysts are tested in our own full-particle R&D pilot at commercial pressure and temperature.

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