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– We are now considering electrifying all ammonia production at Herøya, CEO Svein Tore Holsether at Yara tells NRK.
CEO Svein Tore Holsether at Yara.
Photograph: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB
On Herøya in Porsgrunn is one of Norway’s largest industrial areas and one of Norway’s biggest ‘climate sinners’.
Yara’s plant in Herøya emits more than 800,000 tons of CO₂ per year. By comparison, emissions from all of Oslo are around 1.3 million tonnes a year.
Most of Herøya’s emissions come from the production of hydrogen which is then used to produce ammonia. Today, hydrogen is made of gas. If you switch to electricity, you will go from hydrogen production GRAY to GREEN (see data box).
– Today there is a lot of technology, but it is about scale, says Holsether.
According to Yara, a pilot plant can come online during 2023. A large-scale rebuilt plant can be completed in 2026 at the earliest.
Climate solution for boats
Ammonia has several uses beyond the production of fertilizers. Among other things, it has become an important climate solution when it comes to ship fuel.
Because while some ferries can run on electricity and battery, this is not relevant for larger ships that go far. At “medium distances” hydrogen is relevant, but for really long trips ammonia is more practical.
About half of the ammonia produced at Herøya is sold on the world market.
– It’s about helping the hydrogen industry scale, because scale will help lower costs, says Holsether.
Ask for public support
At the same time, Holsether does not hide the fact that the plans will be difficult to implement without some degree of public support.
Today, making emission-free ammonia is more than twice as expensive as the traditional gas method.
– Here I will draw parallels with the solar industry and how it developed if it goes back 15-20 years, says Holsether.
Their goal is for solar cell plants to receive large land grants on land for many years. But as solar panel production increased, costs fell dramatically. In many countries, solar energy is now the cheapest form of energy, without support.
– We now have a similar opportunity for Norway to take the lead and run a hydrogen industry.
