SwitcH2 Ventures Out to Sea: Harnessing Wave Energy for Green Ammonia Production
Key Ideas
  • SwitcH2, a Dutch startup, is pioneering the production of green ammonia fuel at sea by utilizing wave energy alongside offshore wind and solar resources.
  • The offshore location of the ammonia production facility mitigates land-based environmental impacts and leverages nearby renewable energy sources.
  • The company's ambitious venture involves building a purpose-built vessel with a 300-megawatt electrolyzer system to produce green ammonia for oceangoing vessels.
  • Wave energy, provided by a partnership with CorPower Ocean, plays a key role in powering the electrolysis process for green hydrogen production, furthering sustainability efforts in the cargo shipping industry.
The Dutch startup SwitcH2 is making waves in the cargo shipping industry by pioneering a unique approach to producing green ammonia fuel at sea. By harnessing offshore wind, solar, and now wave energy resources, the company aims to reduce the reliance on dirty bunker fuel in the maritime sector. SwitcH2's decision to locate its ammonia production facility at sea offers environmental benefits by avoiding land-based habitat destruction and minimizing impacts on air quality and public health. The partnership with CorPower Ocean for wave energy conversion technology further emphasizes the company's commitment to sustainability. SwitcH2's ambitious project involves constructing a purpose-built vessel with a 300-megawatt electrolyzer system to generate green hydrogen, which is then combined with nitrogen to produce green ammonia fuel. With the support of stakeholders like BW Offshore and Dutch Oceans Capital, the company is on track to achieve industrial-scale production units for green ammonia using proven FPSO technologies. The planned offshore operation in Portugal aims to produce nearly 300 kton of green ammonia annually, catering to multiple cargo ships. Despite the expected launch date of 2029, SwitcH2 is already eyeing international markets in Europe and West Africa to supply green ammonia. The company's mobile production system underscores its flexibility to capitalize on cost-effective renewable energy sources worldwide. The integration of wave energy into the ammonia production process not only enhances sustainability but also showcases the potential of wave energy to power various applications beyond coastal communities. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus on carbon-free resources and innovative solutions like wave energy holds promise for a greener future in the maritime sector.
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