Breakthrough in Ammonia Cracking Technology in Ulsan, South Korea
Key Ideas
- Syzygy Plasmonics and Lotte Chemical successfully completed performance testing of the world's largest all-electric ammonia cracking system in Ulsan, South Korea.
- The results demonstrate the viability of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier, making it easier for energy importing regions to engage in clean ammonia imports.
- The technology achieved exceptional performance levels with 11 kWh/kg, 81% energy efficiency, 99% conversion, and 290 kg/d of hydrogen production, setting a clear pathway for future designs.
- The collaboration and support from Sumitomo Corporation Group played a crucial role in the successful installation and testing of the Rigel cell, marking a significant milestone in the hydrogen economy.
Syzygy Plasmonics, in partnership with Lotte Chemical, has made a groundbreaking advancement in ammonia cracking technology by commissioning and completing performance testing of the world's largest all-electric ammonia cracking system in Ulsan, South Korea. The logistical support from Sumitomo Corporation of Americas and Sumitomo Corporation Korea was instrumental in the successful completion of the project. This achievement is the second installation of Syzygy's Rigel reactor cell, with the other one located at the company's demonstration facility in Houston, Texas. The positive results from over 2500 hours of testing in Houston paved the way for the successful testing in Ulsan, highlighting the potential of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier. This breakthrough opens up opportunities for energy importing regions like Korea to benefit from clean ammonia imports. The technology allows for the production of low-carbon ammonia by combining nitrogen with low-carbon hydrogen, making storage and transportation more efficient. By cracking the imported ammonia using Syzygy's Ammonia e-Cracking systems, energy importers can access the low-carbon hydrogen they need. The successful testing in Ulsan demonstrated outstanding performance levels, including 11 kWh/kg, 81% energy efficiency, 99% conversion, and 290 kg/d of hydrogen production. The data from this trial provides a clear pathway for achieving even higher levels of efficiency in future Rigel cell designs. The collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation Group, along with the installation and testing support from Lotte in Ulsan, signifies a significant step towards realizing the potential of the hydrogen economy.