Statkraft Unveils Ambitious Green Ammonia Project
Statkraft has announced plans for a groundbreaking green ammonia facility in Dales Voe, capable of exporting up to 15,000 tonnes of liquid ammonia every 15 weeks. The newly submitted scoping report outlines the marine elements of the project, including a 160-meter jetty designed for efficient loading operations. With potential export values exceeding £9 million per shipment, this facility aims to leverage renewable energy for sustainable production.
Project Details and Environmental Considerations
The proposed Tagdale facility, located north of Lerwick, will utilize an 80MW renewable energy system to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis. This process will involve extracting nitrogen from the air, which will then be combined with hydrogen to create gaseous ammonia. The ammonia will be cooled and stored in a 15,000-tonne capacity tank at the jetty site. The facility is expected to generate approximately 185 tonnes of ammonia daily, contributing to decarbonizing fertilizer production and serving as a sustainable fuel source for marine shipping and power generation.
In addition to ammonia production, the project aims to capture heat generated during the process to support the expansion of the Lerwick district heating scheme. The jetty will be designed to accommodate large vessels, with offloading operations scheduled every 15 weeks, taking around 24 hours, including 20 hours dedicated to pumping the liquid ammonia onto export ships. Continuous operation is planned, necessitating nighttime lighting for safety and efficiency.
Construction is slated to begin in late 2027, with operations expected to commence in late 2029 and the first ammonia exports projected for early 2030. Statkraft intends for the facility to operate indefinitely, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the region.
Potential Environmental Impacts
The scoping report also addresses potential environmental impacts associated with the marine elements of the project. While the accidental release of ammonia during offloading is deemed unlikely, the report acknowledges that such incidents, although rare, could occur. In the event of a spill, the low temperature of liquid ammonia might lead to temporary localized reductions in water temperature. The report highlights that excessive ammonia levels can be toxic to aquatic life, potentially damaging vital tissues and impairing survival rates.
Despite these concerns, the report indicates that the project has been designed to adhere to industry best practices for pollution prevention, effectively mitigating the risks associated with ammonia leakage. Additionally, the report notes the proximity of an active shellfish aquaculture site and recognizes the potential for increased collision risks during construction and vessel operations.
As Statkraft moves forward with this ambitious project, it aims to balance the benefits of green ammonia production with the need for environmental stewardship, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
