NH3 Clean Energy Signs MOU with Pilbara Ports Authority

Australia’s NH3 Clean Energy, formerly known as Hexagon Energy Materials, has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pilbara Ports Authority. This MoU aims to explore the options for the loading and export of 600,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of clean ammonia from its flagship WAH2 clean ammonia project.

The MoU between NH3 Clean Energy and the Pilbara Ports Authority outlines a collaborative effort over the next 12 months. The main goal of this partnership is to establish operational arrangements and binding agreements that will support the export of ammonia from the WAH2 project. This collaboration also covers ship loading for both export and bunkering customers.

According to NH3 Clean Energy, the transportation of the clean ammonia from the WAH2 plant to the Port of Dampier will be facilitated by a new-build pipeline within the existing infrastructure corridor. The clean ammonia will then be loaded onto ships at the port’s bulk liquids berth, subject to availability and commercial agreements

NH3’s Chairman, Charles Whitfield, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Pilbara Ports Authority. He highlighted the support from the authority in establishing the port as a key hub for handling clean ammonia for the international market and marine fuel. Whitfield also emphasized the project’s timeline, aiming for a final investment decision (FID) in the first half of 2026.

The WAH2 project is focused on supplying low-emissions ammonia to the Asia Pacific’s decarbonizing powerhouse economies, such as Japan and South Korea. Additionally, the project aims to provide decarbonized “bunker” fuel for bulk carriers transporting iron ore from Australia to Asia. NH3 reported that the project is on track to enter front-end engineering and design (FEED) by the end of the first quarter of 2025, with pre-FEED engineering work already completed.