Hydrogen is an important solution for decarbonising the UK energy system and reaching net zero by 2050. Green ammonia is a highly effective liquid carrier of hydrogen which will enable the safe and cost-effective transport and storage of green hydrogen at scale.
Stanlow Terminals is developing a major new open access import terminal for green ammonia in the Port of Liverpool. An expansion of existing facilities, the new infrastructure will enable the import and storage of more than one million tonnes per year of green ammonia for onward distribution in the UK or conversion back to green hydrogen.
Green ammonia is a crucial component in the development of the global hydrogen economy and is expected to develop into one of the world’s major sustainable energy commodities. The North West has the opportunity to be at the heart of the global hydrogen energy market with the import terminal providing ready access to large scale international green ammonia imports. This could include from Essar Energy Transition’s own 1GW green ammonia project in Gujarat, India.
Key benefits
- Enabling the import and storage of more than 1 million tonnes per year of green ammonia
- Putting the North West at the heart of the global hydrogen energy market and developing a green ammonia supply chain in the UK
- Unlocking economic opportunities for the North West with £150 million investment and creation of jobs
- Helping the UK to achieve its net zero targets by decarbonising industry
- Deep water access and maritime infrastructure capable of handling green ammonia from anywhere in the world
- Direct connectivity with HyNet North West hydrogen and carbon capture cluster
- Providing resilience for hydrogen supply in the UK
Timeline
2023
Feasibility
2025
Front end engineering and design (FEED)
2027
Ammonia import terminal operational
Why green ammonia?
Converting renewable energy into ammonia means that it can be transported around the world easily to where there is demand. Green ammonia is also a highly effective liquid carrier which can help to overcome the challenges faced when looking to transport hydrogen over long distances.
As the energy transition gathers pace in the UK, the demand for hydrogen will only increase. Providing the means to import, store and convert green ammonia into hydrogen will provide much needed resilience to the industry.
The green hydrogen produced will be used by a wide range of industries in the region, helping to decarbonise energy usage and, in doing so, contribute significantly to the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Green ammonia is also seen as one of the most promising decarbonisation options for the maritime sector.