UAE explores hydrogen ties with German firms

Ammonia seen as viable way to transport green hydrogen

The United Arab Emirates’ national oil company, ADNOC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Uhde to explore a long-term partnership to create new markets for hydrogen energy and boost the global clean energy value chain.

The companies said they would focus on developing large-scale ammonia cracking projects to extract hydrogen from transported ammonia. Ammonia acts as a carrier for hydrogen and is easier to compress and transport. When transported, ammonia needs to be broken down or “cracked” into hydrogen once it reaches its destination before it can be used in the energy value chain.

The United Arab Emirates’ national oil company, ADNOC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Uhde to explore a long-term partnership to create new markets for hydrogen energy and boost the global clean energy value chain. (Image source: thyssenkrupp Uhde)

Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly develop a large-scale ammonia cracker using ThyssenKrupp technology. The agreement will also lead to the exploration of opportunities in the clean energy value chain to supply and transport low-carbon or green ammonia from the UAE to large-scale ammonia cracking facilities globally.

“ADNOC’s fast-growing hydrogen business benefits from the UAE’s abundant and competitive energy reserves,” said Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director, Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth Council. “We are committed to strengthening our position as a reliable supplier of low-carbon energy, generating new revenue streams and growing the global hydrogen market. A tangible solution to the decarbonization of the industry.”

Cord Landsmann, chief executive of thyssenkrupp Uhde, said many countries were looking to import clean hydrogen to decarbonize industry and society.

“Clean ammonia is the best way to transport hydrogen by ship, and together with ADNOC we will provide the final piece of the puzzle for global large-scale clean hydrogen trade,” Landsmann said.