Innovative Wave Energy Project for Green Ammonia
In a groundbreaking initiative, ocean energy startups SwitcH2 and CorPower Ocean are collaborating to create an industrial-scale floating green ammonia production facility. This innovative project will harness wave energy to generate clean power, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions. Supported by BW Offshore from Norway and Dutch Oceans Capital, the facility aims to produce green ammonia, a crucial fuel for the future of shipping. With a projected output of 300,000 tonnes per year by 2029, this venture promises to revolutionize the way we think about energy production and consumption.
Project Overview and Technological Innovations
The floating green ammonia production facility will be constructed on a vessel comparable in size to a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) or a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit. This facility will feature a 300 megawatt (MW) electrolysis plant, which is essential for producing green ammonia. The project is set to be located in northern Portugal, where it will utilize CorPower Ocean’s advanced wave energy technology. This technology has already demonstrated its resilience, surviving four major Atlantic storms in 2023, including Storm Domingos, which featured 60-foot swells.
The facility will not only generate clean energy but will also store the produced green ammonia on board. Once sufficient quantities are accumulated, a shuttle tanker will transport the ammonia to shore. This approach minimizes competition for clean electricity with onshore industries, allowing for a more efficient use of renewable resources. The project is backed by grant funding from the Dutch Government’s GroenvermogenNL TSE (Top Sector Energie) scheme, highlighting the importance of governmental support in advancing green technologies.
The Future of Green Ammonia and Shipping Fuels
Green ammonia is poised to become a vital fuel source for the shipping industry as the world transitions to more sustainable energy solutions. Hydrogen-based green fuels are expected to be in short supply during the initial phases of this transition. By establishing an offshore wave-powered ammonia plant, this project aims to tap into an underutilized energy resource. This innovative approach allows for the production of fuel without competing with existing shoreside industries for access to clean electricity.
SwitcH2, co-founded by Saskia Kunst, is optimistic about the project’s potential. In addition to the facility in Portugal, the company is exploring further opportunities in West Africa and the Dutch sector of the North Sea. The partnership comes on the heels of CorPower Ocean’s successful Series B1 funding round, which raised $34 million, underscoring the growing interest and investment in wave energy technology. As the world seeks cleaner energy sources, projects like this one are crucial for paving the way toward a sustainable future.
