Topsoe and Approtium Team Up to Convert Low-Carbon Ammonia into Hydrogen

Topsoe, a globally recognized leader in the realm of carbon emissions reduction, has recently unveiled an engineering agreement with Approtium, a prominent industrial supplier of hydrogen based in South Korea. The purpose of this partnership is to introduce Topsoe’s innovative ammonia cracking technology, H2RETAKETM, aimed at converting low-carbon ammonia, commonly referred to as blue ammonia, back into hydrogen, as stated by the company.

Within the framework of this agreement, Topsoe will be supplying its advanced technology to Approtium’s pioneering project in Ulsan, South Korea. This facility is projected to yield an impressive 75,000 metric tons of hydrogen annually, thereby addressing the growing demand for co-firing in South Korea’s power generation sector. This initiative aligns with South Korea’s ambitious objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, with 2018 as the baseline year.

H2RETAKETM is an advanced technology developed by Topsoe specifically for the efficient conversion of ammonia into high-purity hydrogen, boasting an impressive energy efficiency rate of 96%. This results in the production of top-quality hydrogen suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. A notable feature of H2RETAKETM is its ability to utilize off-gases as fuel for the endothermic reaction, ultimately enhancing its overall efficiency. Moreover, it has the capability to process various commercial-grade ammonia feed sources, thus demonstrating its adaptability in different operational scenarios for hydrogen production.

Established in 1964, Approtium stands as the largest domestic supplier of hydrogen and liquid CO2 in South Korea. Over the years, the company has steadily expanded its operations and presently operates three different facilities in Ulsan, along with a fourth factory in Seosan, Chungnam. At present, Approtium caters to approximately 100,000 tons of hydrogen annually, serving a diverse array of industrial consumers within sectors such as refining, petrochemicals, and semiconductors.

On the other hand, Topsoe is a globally renowned provider of state-of-the-art technology and solutions geared towards facilitating the ongoing energy transition.

The collaboration between Topsoe and Approtium holds significant promise, with the potential to make a substantial impact in the realm of hydrogen production and infrastructure, particularly in the context of the pressing need for sustainable, low-carbon solutions. With both entities contributing their wealth of expertise and experience, the future undoubtedly looks promising for the world of clean energy.