A new hydrogen purification system that uses membrane separation to purify from hydrogen-nitrogen mixture gas after ammonia cracking is to be developed by NGK Insulators, Ltd., (NGK) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI).
The goal of the project is to build a system for purifying hydrogen using membrane separation from the mixed gas of hydrogen and nitrogen generated from the ammonia cracking gas.
The partners hope that the technology will lead to the creation of a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain enabling high-volume transport.
For the project, MHI will bring its experience in ammonia and chemical plants, along with ammonia and hydrogen handling tech, while NGK offers advanced sub nano ceramic membrane and film deposition technology from chemical processes and water purification.
“Ammonia is garnering attention today as a hydrogen carrier that enables safe transport and storage of hydrogen, a fuel that emits no CO2 when combusted, in larger volumes over great distances,” said a company spokesperson.
The project aligns with MHI Group’s growth strategy in the area of ‘energy transition’, aiming to decarbonise its energy supply operations to support the company’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
NGK’s ‘Carbon Neutrality Strategic Roadmap’ comprises four strategies targeting the realisation of a carbon-neutral society and promoting hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) related technologies.
Supply chain development is advancing globally, especially in Europe. Meanwhile, Japan is actively pursuing a ‘Fuel Ammonia Supply Chain Establishment’ project.
A major project is being developed by industrial gas major Air Liquide in the port of Antwerp, where the company is building an industrial scale ammonia cracking pilot plant.
A report released by Hydrogen Europe last year outlines the potential of clean ammonia production & utilisation across the continent.
The EU’s 32 ammonia production facilities have a theoretical production capacity of 17.7m tonnes per year (about 10% of the world’s total), and account for about one-third of all hydrogen consumption in Europe, revealed the report.
In Asia, Japan and South Korea announced last year that they are building a supply chain for hydrogen and ammonia together to negotiate prices and ensure stable procurement of the fuels.
Japanese and South Korean firms will receive financial support from government-linked institutions for joint ventures in hydrogen and ammonia projects abroad, including in the Middle East and the US. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation will oversee Japanese involvement.
