First Ammonia Partners with Worley for Pioneering Green Ammonia Facility in Texas
U.S. ammonia plants developer First Ammonia has selected Australian engineering and professional services company Worley to deliver the front-end engineering design (FEED) for its flagship ammonia facility in Victoria, Texas.
Project Timeline and Objectives
The FEED study is on track to be completed in the first quarter of 2025, with construction set to begin later in the year. Full commercial operation is expected to start in 2027.
Technology and Efficiency
This facility is designed to produce up to 300 metric tonnes of electric ammonia daily using solid oxide electrolyzer technology (SOEC) for hydrogen production. This advanced technology is reported to be 30% more energy-efficient compared to conventional electrolyzers, setting a new benchmark in energy efficiency.
Comments from Key Stakeholders
Marc Van Den Boom, Senior Vice President of Gulf Coast Operations at Worley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We’re thrilled to partner with First Ammonia on this groundbreaking project. The plant is a pivotal step in delivering decarbonized energy solutions, and we look forward to supporting the project’s success.”
First Ammonia’s CEO, Joel Moser, echoed this sentiment: “We are excited to be partnering with Worley, whose strong relationship with Topsoe, our technology licensor, and proven Gulf Coast expertise will help us decarbonize heavy industry, transport fuels, and power generation. Clean ammonia is essential in reducing emissions across hard-to-abate sectors, and Worley’s capabilities are vital for enabling decentralized, electric ammonia production.”
Previous Milestones
Earlier this year, in October 2024, First Ammonia signed sales and service agreements with Danish technology company Topsoe for the production of the first solid oxide electrolyzers for the Texas ammonia project. This deal facilitates the fabrication of the initial 100 MW SOEC modules at Topsoe’s new factory in Herning, Denmark.
Kim Hedegaard, CEO of Power-to-X at Topsoe, highlighted the project’s significance: “Projects like the Port of Victoria green ammonia facility are vital to decarbonizing energy-intensive industries such as long-distance transportation and maritime shipping… We are thankful for First Ammonia’s trust in Topsoe and our technology and are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Impact on Decarbonization Efforts
The Port of Victoria green ammonia facility stands out as a critical component in the fight against climate change. By harnessing clean ammonia for energy and transportation purposes, this project aims to drastically reduce emissions in sectors that have historically proven challenging to decarbonize.
The use of solid oxide electrolyzer technology is a game-changer, offering a more efficient and sustainable method of ammonia production compared to traditional methods. This approach promises to drive significant advancements in clean energy and contribute to broader decarbonization efforts globally.
Conclusion
The partnership between First Ammonia and Worley marks a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector, particularly in the production of green ammonia. This collaboration leverages cutting-edge technology to create a scalable, efficient, and sustainable solution for decarbonizing heavy industries.
As we move toward 2027, the Port of Victoria facility will not only produce clean ammonia but also set new standards in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, positioning First Ammonia as a leader in the green ammonia industry.
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