What is green ammonia and how is it produced?

Green ammonia is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional ammonia, produced without fossil fuels or carbon emissions. While traditional ammonia synthesis relies on hydrogen derived from natural gas (a process that emits significant CO₂), green ammonia uses hydrogen obtained through the electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy sources. This hydrogen is then combined with nitrogen from the air via the well-known Haber-Bosch process — but without the carbon footprint.

The result is a completely decarbonised ammonia molecule (NH₃), identical in structure to its conventional counterpart but fundamentally different in environmental impact. Green ammonia production eliminates CO₂ emissions at source and contributes to a circular, sustainable industrial model.

The environmental benefits are significant:

  • Zero greenhouse gas emissions during production.

  • No dependency on fossil fuels, reducing geopolitical and price volatility.

  • Scalability across sectors with hard-to-abate emissions, such as chemicals, shipping, and heavy manufacturing.

With rising global demand for hydrogen carriers and low-carbon feedstocks, green ammonia is quickly becoming a key pillar in the energy transition.

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Industrial applications of green ammonia

Green ammonia is more than just a low-emission chemical — it’s a strategic molecule with multiple industrial applications. As industries around the world accelerate their decarbonisation efforts, green ammonia is emerging as a clean and versatile alternative in sectors that are traditionally hard to abate.

Fertiliser production

Ammonia is a key ingredient in nitrogen-based fertilisers, which are vital for global food production. By replacing fossil-based ammonia with green ammonia, the agricultural sector can significantly reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining crop yields and food security.

Hydrogen carrier and fuel

Green ammonia is one of the most promising carriers for green hydrogen, due to its high energy density and ease of storage and transportation. It can be reconverted into hydrogen at the destination point or used directly as a carbon-free fuel in shipping and power generation.

Chemical industry

As a building block for other chemicals (e.g., nitric acid, urea, methanol), ammonia plays a foundational role in industrial value chains. Green ammonia allows chemical manufacturers to maintain product output while aligning with stricter sustainability regulations and investor demands.

Energy storage and electricity generation

In some advanced use cases, ammonia is explored as a fuel for gas turbines or co-firing in coal plants — offering a transition path to cleaner electricity grids.

In short, green ammonia acts as a decarbonising agent across various industries, unlocking new possibilities for cleaner production systems and energy resilience.

The Saudi Arabia project: Técnicas Reunidas and Sinopec lead a global milestone

In early 2024, the Spanish engineering firm Técnicas Reunidas, in partnership with Sinopec Engineering Group, was awarded the largest green ammonia plant project in the world. Located in the industrial city of Yanbu, on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, the facility represents a turning point in the global transition to clean hydrogen derivatives.

The plant is part of Saudi Arabia’s national hydrogen strategy, which aims to position the country as a leading exporter of green fuels to Europe and Asia. The project will produce ammonia using hydrogen obtained via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, avoiding any use of fossil fuels in the process.

Key figures:

  • Client: Neom Green Hydrogen Company

  • Engineering partners: Técnicas Reunidas (Spain) and Sinopec (China)

  • Investment: Estimated over $6 billion

  • Production capacity: Around 1.2 million tonnes of green ammonia per year

  • Operation start: Expected in 2026

This megaproject not only showcases the scalability of green ammonia but also creates a blueprint for future facilities worldwide. For suppliers of industrial infrastructure — especially those with expertise in gas treatment, corrosion-resistant equipment, and emission control systems — the project presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the decarbonised economy.

How Tecnium’s Expertise Supports Green Ammonia Projects

Building a green ammonia plant involves a series of technically demanding stages, from hydrogen production via electrolysis to nitrogen separation, synthesis, purification, and safe storage. Each of these steps generates by-products, emissions, and operational challenges that require robust environmental and chemical handling systems — precisely where Tecnium’s expertise comes into play.

Proven Solutions for Corrosive Fluid and Gas Management

Tecnium provides industrial equipment designed to operate in harsh chemical environments. In the context of a green ammonia facility, the following product lines can offer significant value:

Gas Scrubbing Systems (TECNIUM-CHEM, BIO, BIO-TR)

These are essential for removing residual gases such as ammonia, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and acid mists from various emission points in the plant. Tecnium’s wet scrubbers and biotrickling filters can help maintain compliance with stringent environmental regulations.

Absorption: Tecnium Chem

Chemical Storage Tanks (FRP Tanks)

The synthesis and purification of ammonia require safe handling and storage of corrosive chemicals. Tecnium’s GRP/FRP tanks are manufactured using high-grade resins resistant to ammonia, acids, and alkalis, making them ideal for long-term industrial use in these settings.

Plastic FRP Tanks

Pumping and Transfer Systems

Tecnium offers corrosion-resistant centrifugal pumps capable of moving aggressive chemical solutions. These pumps are suitable for circulating process fluids, dosing neutralising agents, and handling effluents under challenging operational conditions.

Plastic Pumps

Piping and Ventilation Systems

Custom-built thermoplastic piping and anti-corrosive ventilation systems ensure safe distribution and exhaust management across production areas, maintaining process integrity and workplace safety.

Ventilation Systems

Integration into EPC Projects

As a trusted industrial supplier with over 50 years of experience, Tecnium is well-positioned to support EPC contractors like Técnicas Reunidas in the delivery of large-scale, high-spec projects. All of Tecnium’s equipment is engineered, manufactured, and tested in-house — ensuring full traceability, quality assurance, and customisation to project-specific requirements.

From design consultancy to turnkey delivery, Tecnium can seamlessly integrate into the supply chain of green ammonia plants, providing:

  • Detailed engineering support for equipment layout and compatibility.

  • Compliance with international codes and standards (e.g. ASME, ISO, PED).

  • Proven experience in industries with similar challenges, such as fertiliser production, mining, and chemical refining.

A reliable partner for green ammonia infrastructure

Green ammonia represents one of the most promising frontiers for decarbonising global industry and energy. As demand for hydrogen-derived fuels grows, the need for robust, safe, and efficient supporting infrastructure becomes critical. Gas scrubbing systems, corrosion-resistant pumps, and thermoplastics engineering are not peripheral — they are central to the long-term performance and safety of these facilities.

Tecnium brings over five decades of experience delivering environmental technology solutions to some of the world’s most demanding industrial sectors. Our gas treatment systems, plastic centrifugal pumps, and thermoplastic manufacturing expertise make us a valuable partner for companies involved in green ammonia and hydrogen development projects.

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Are you planning or participating in a green ammonia project?

Contact our team to explore how Tecnium solutions can support your facility’s performance, regulatory compliance, and environmental goals — from FEED to commissioning.

FAQs

Green ammonia is ammonia (NH₃) produced using hydrogen derived from water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources such as wind or solar. Unlike conventional ammonia, which is made using fossil fuels like natural gas (through steam methane reforming), green ammonia eliminates CO₂ emissions from the production process. It involves splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using clean electricity, and then combining the hydrogen with nitrogen (N₂) from the air via the Haber-Bosch process. The result is a zero-carbon fuel and feedstock for industries looking to decarbonise.

Green ammonia can be used in multiple sectors:

  • Fertiliser production, maintaining its traditional role in agriculture.
  • Maritime fuel, as a low-carbon alternative to heavy fuel oil.
  • Hydrogen carrier, since ammonia can be more easily transported and stored than hydrogen gas.
  • Energy storage, acting as a medium for storing excess renewable energy.
  • Industrial feedstock, particularly for chemicals and synthetic fuels.

Its versatility makes it a key component in future energy and industrial systems.

Green ammonia production involves handling aggressive substances such as hydrogen, nitrogen, and sometimes oxygen under high pressure and temperature. Additionally, the process includes potential emission of acidic or hazardous gases that must be treated before atmospheric release. Gas scrubbers are essential for:

  • Neutralising acidic or reactive exhaust gases.
  • Ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
  • Protecting downstream equipment from corrosion or contamination.

Similarly, thermoplastic-based pumps and piping systems are used to handle corrosive liquids and ensure safety, especially in areas exposed to process chemicals or condensates. These systems improve reliability, reduce maintenance, and extend the operational lifespan of green ammonia plants.

Yes. Tecnium’s product portfolio includes key systems compatible with green ammonia production requirements:

  • Gas scrubbers (TECNIUM-CHEM, TECNIUM-DEGAS, TECNIUM-K) for cleaning emissions and managing harmful vapours.
  • Plastic centrifugal pumps (models like BN, BT, BV) capable of handling corrosive chemicals with high efficiency.
  • Thermoplastic tanks and piping manufactured in corrosion-resistant materials such as PP, PE, PVDF, or ECTFE.

These solutions can be tailored to both pilot-scale and large industrial installations, providing support from early engineering phases to on-site commissioning.

While Tecnium is not listed as a core EPC contractor like Técnicas Reunidas or Sinopec, its capabilities align closely with the infrastructure demands of a green ammonia project. As a specialist in environmental and fluid handling solutions, Tecnium could supply:

  • Scrubbing systems for gas treatment in hydrogen production or ammonia synthesis areas.
  • Pumps and tanks for aggressive chemicals or effluent handling.
  • Custom-engineered equipment designed to integrate into complex process chains.

Tecnium’s experience in the chemical and energy sectors positions it as a potential value-added partner for Tier-1 contractors or integrators participating in projects like the one in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.