Latest news with #ammonia
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's HyDuqm hydrogen project eyes FID in 2027
MUSCAT: Hydrogen Duqm LLC (HyDuqm), one of nine large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia projects currently in early development in Oman, anticipates a Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2027, with production slated to commence in 2030. HyDuqm represents a joint venture set up by six leading global companies comprising POSCO Holdings, Samsung Engineering Company Limited, Korea East-West Power Company Limited, Korea Southern Power Company Limited, MESCAT Middle East DMCC (a subsidiary of ENGIE from France), and FutureTech Energy Ventures Limited (FTEV) - the clean energy arm of Thai energy conglomerate PTTEP. In 2023, the JV partners won a concession from Hydrom, the master-planner of Oman's green hydrogen (GH2) economy, to develop a GH2 project in Block Z1-02 in Al Wusta Governorate. The project targets an annual capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of green ammonia, focusing on clean energy production from green hydrogen. According to PTTEP subsidiary FTEV, the partners of HyDuqm are currently 'in the process of assessing wind and solar energy potential (Renewable Resource Assessment) and conducting a feasibility study to evaluate the investment value and profitability of the project prior starting engineering design'. Significantly, FTEV's role as a JV partner in HyDuqm is the latest addition to parent organization PTTEP's expanding presence in Oman's energy industry. 'This investment supports the growth of new businesses aligning with the Company's business plan and provides an opportunity to apply knowledge and experience in green hydrogen production in Thailand, in line with future energy policies,' PTTEP noted in its recently issued 2024 Annual Report. 'PTTEP completed the installation of wind and solar potential measurement stations and has begun collecting data to support the project operations. The ongoing feasibility study phase includes geographical, geotechnical, and hydrological assessments, as well as a Preliminary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (Pre-ESIA),' it further stated. The feasibility study, according to the Thai state-owned energy giant, will also help determine the amount of required capital expenditure and economic return before proceeding to the engineering design phase in 2025. The Annual Report also shed light on the performance of PTTEP's portfolio of investments in the upstream and midstream segments of Oman's oil and gas sector. One of its largest investments is in Block 61 in central Oman, which accounts for around a third of Oman's gas production. PTTEP owns a 20 per cent interest in the BP-operated concession. In 2024, natural gas and condensate production averaged 1,511 MMSCFD (approximately 267,746 barrels of oil equivalent per day - BOED) and 56,087 bpd respectively. Production from Block 6 – the largest producing oil asset in central Oman – averaged 66,490 bpd of crude oil in 2024. PTTEP Group holds a 2 per cent participating interest in this project, with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) as the operator. In south Oman, PTTEP Group holds a 1 per cent participating interest in Block 53 (also known as the Mukhaizna field) with Occidental as the operator. In 2024, the average crude oil production was 75,227 bpd. Recently, Oman's Ministry of Energy and Minerals signed an agreement to extend the Block 53 Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) with Occidental and its partners until 2050. Rounding off its upstream assets is Block 12, a large onshore natural gas exploration block in central Oman. PTTEP Group holds a 20 per cent participating interest in the project, with TotalEnergies as the operator. In 2024, two exploration wells were completed, while geological and geophysical studies are currently underway. PTTEP subsidiary PTTEP Oman E&P Corporation (POC), formerly Partex Oman Corporation, also has a 2 percent stake in Oman LNG LLC and an indirect 0.7 per cent stake in Qalhat LNG. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's HyDuqm expects FID in 2027
Hydrogen Duqm (HyDuqm), one of nine large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia projects currently in early development in Oman, anticipates a Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2027, with production slated to commence in 2030. HyDuqm is a joint venture comprising POSCO Holdings, Samsung Engineering , Korea East-West Power Company, Korea Southern Power Company , MESCAT Middle East DMCC (a subsidiary of ENGIE from France), and FutureTech Energy Ventures (FTEV) - the clean energy arm of Thai energy conglomerate PTTEP. In 2023, the JV partners won a concession from Hydrom, the master-planner of Oman's green hydrogen economy, to develop a GH2 project in Block Z1-02 in Al Wusta Governorate. The project targets an annual capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of green ammonia, focusing on clean energy production from green hydrogen. According to PTTEP subsidiary FTEV, the partners of HyDuqm are currently 'in the process of assessing wind and solar energy potential (Renewable Resource Assessment) and conducting a feasibility study to evaluate the investment value and profitability of the project prior to starting engineering design'. FTEV's role as a JV partner in HyDuqm is the latest addition to parent organisation PTTEP's expanding presence in Oman's energy industry. 'This investment supports the growth of new businesses aligning with the Company's business plan and provides an opportunity to apply knowledge and experience in green hydrogen production in Thailand, in line with future energy policies,' PTTEP noted in its recently issued 2024 Annual Report. 'PTTEP completed the installation of wind and solar potential measurement stations and has begun collecting data to support the project operations. The ongoing feasibility study phase includes geographical, geotechnical, and hydrological assessments, as well as a Preliminary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (Pre-ESIA),' it said. The feasibility study, according to the Thai state-owned energy giant, will also help determine the amount of required capital expenditure and economic return before proceeding to the engineering design phase in 2025. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Sustainability Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'Japan Traps the Impossible': Scientists Develop Breakthrough Method to Extract Ammonia From Air and Water With Unmatched Precision
IN A NUTSHELL 🌱 Researchers at the University of Tokyo developed a method to produce ammonia using artificial photosynthesis . . 🔬 The process mimics natural nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria, utilizing atmospheric nitrogen , water, and sunlight. , water, and sunlight. ⚙️ This method uses a combination of iridium and molybdenum catalysts to enhance reaction efficiency. and to enhance reaction efficiency. 🌍 The innovation promises to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in ammonia production, transforming agricultural practices. In a groundbreaking advancement that could redefine agricultural practices worldwide, researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method to produce ammonia using a process akin to artificial photosynthesis. By harnessing atmospheric nitrogen, water, and sunlight, this innovation mimics the natural processes of cyanobacteria, offering a potential pathway to low-energy ammonia production. This is particularly significant given the high energy demands of current ammonia production methods, like the Haber-Bosch process, which significantly contribute to global carbon emissions. With agriculture relying heavily on ammonia for fertilizers, this new technique could be a game-changer for sustainable farming. Artificial Photosynthesis to Make Ammonia Under the leadership of Professor Yoshiaki Nishibayashi, the research team at the University of Tokyo's Department of Applied Chemistry has successfully developed a novel system that utilizes atmospheric nitrogen and water to produce ammonia in the presence of sunlight. This innovative approach mirrors the natural process used by symbiotic bacteria to fix nitrogen for plants, a process that has been challenging to replicate outside of biological systems. The cornerstone of this breakthrough lies in the use of catalysts, which facilitate reactions by lowering the necessary temperature or time without being consumed in the process. The team employed a unique combination of catalysts to achieve their results. As Nishibayashi explained, the use of an iridium photocatalyst and a chemical called tertiary phosphine enabled the photochemical activation of water molecules, leading to higher-than-expected reaction efficiencies compared to previous efforts. UK Unleashes Instant Drug Scanner: New High-Tech Street Weapon Can Detect Narcotics Before They're Even Consumed What Did the Catalysts Do? The research utilized two primary catalysts based on transition metals: iridium and molybdenum. The iridium-based catalyst played a crucial role in activating tertiary phosphines and water, while the molybdenum-based catalyst was tasked with activating dinitrogen. This process is essential for converting water molecules into protons, which contribute to the formation of ammonia. According to Nishibayashi, when the iridium photocatalyst absorbs sunlight, it enters an excited state capable of oxidizing tertiary phosphines. This oxidation process is vital for activating water molecules, ultimately yielding protons that interact with nitrogen, facilitated by the molybdenum catalyst, to form ammonia. This innovative process highlights the potential of using water in the production of dihydrogen or hydrogen atoms, paving the way for greener ammonia production methods. 'Mach 6 From a Runway': US Unveils Hypersonic Jet Engine That Could Redefine Military Airpower and Global Strike Speed The Impact on Agriculture and Environment Ammonia plays an integral role in global agriculture, primarily as a precursor to urea, a widely used fertilizer. Annually, about 200 million tons of ammonia are produced, with over 80% utilized in agriculture. The traditional method of production, the Haber-Bosch process, is highly energy-intensive and contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 2%. This new method of ammonia production offers a more environmentally friendly alternative, potentially reducing the energy input and carbon emissions associated with the traditional process. By leveraging sunlight and water, the method aligns with sustainable practices, underscoring its potential to transform agricultural industries and reduce the environmental footprint of fertilizer production. 'Mind-Controlled Roaches Are Real': Scientists Use UV Helmets to Wirelessly Command Cockroach Cyborgs in Chilling New Experiment Scaling Up the Innovation The team at the University of Tokyo has demonstrated that this innovative reaction can be produced on a scale ten times larger than previous experiments, indicating readiness for scaling up. This scalability is crucial for integrating the process into industrial applications, which could revolutionize how ammonia is produced globally. However, transitioning from laboratory success to industrial-scale production involves numerous challenges, including optimizing reaction conditions and ensuring cost-effectiveness. As the research progresses, the focus will likely shift towards overcoming these hurdles, further proving the viability of this method as a sustainable alternative to current ammonia production techniques. The development of an artificial photosynthesis method for producing ammonia is an exciting advancement with the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and reduce environmental impact. As researchers continue to refine and scale this process, the question remains: How quickly can this innovative method be adopted by the industry, and what further advancements will it inspire in the realm of sustainable agricultural practices? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (24)
Gizmodo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Gizmodo
The Surprising Link Between Penguin Poop and Cloud Formation
Scientists have discovered a surprising—and smelly—source of clouds in Antarctica: penguin poop. According to a new study published in Communications Earth & Environment, ammonia gas emanating from these flightless birds' guano sets off a chain of chemical reactions that causes clouds to form. These clouds may be changing local temperatures in the Antarctic—and perhaps the global climate. At the Marambio Base on the Antarctic Peninsula, researchers led by Matthew Boyer—a doctoral candidate at the University of Helsinki in Finland—measured the concentration of ammonia wafting from a colony of 60,000 Aldelie penguins from January to March 2023. When the wind blew from the direction of the colony, ammonia levels spiked, sometimes reaching 1,000 times above normal levels. In February, the penguins left the area to continue their annual migration, but the guano they left behind kept ammonia levels up to 100 times higher than normal for over a month. Because penguins mainly eat fish and krill, their excrement is full of nitrogen waste that ultimately breaks down into ammonia. This chemical compound rises into the air as gas, then mixes with sulfur gas produced by marine microorganisms, such as phytoplankton. That reaction creates aerosol particles, which then join with water droplets to form clouds. Previous studies have modeled this chain reaction before, but Boyer and his colleagues watched the clouds form in real time. In February 2023, they measured a particularly strong burst of aerosols from the guano, then sampled a fog that formed just a few hours later. This confirmed that the fog contained particles created by the reaction between ammonia from the guano and sulfuric acid from plankton. 'There is a deep connection between these ecosystem processes, between penguins and phytoplankton at the ocean surface,' Boyer told Grist. 'Their gas is all interacting to form these particles and clouds.' There are about 20 million penguins living in Antarctica, according to the British Antarctic Survey. This teeming population produces a lot of poop, and therefore a lot of clouds. Computer models have found that these clouds reflect sunlight, leading to significant ground cooling. Boyer and his colleagues state that more research is needed to fully understand the clouds' impact on local temperatures. But if they do have a cooling effect, they suggest that declining penguin populations could exacerbate Antarctic warming during the summertime. 'It is already understood that widespread loss of sea ice extent threatens the habitat, food sources, and breeding behavior of most penguin species that inhabit Antarctica,' the authors state. 'Consequently, some Antarctic penguin populations are already declining, and some species could be nearly extinct by the end of the 21st century.' Among the world's 18 penguin species, 11 are globally threatened, according to BirdLife International. The Adelie penguins that Boyer studied, however, are one of the few species whose Antarctic population is experiencing an increase in numbers. But if these poo clouds are less reflective than the ice beneath it, they may trap heat close to Earth's surface and cause temperatures to rise, Boyer told the Washington Post. Getting to the bottom of these impacts is important because local changes in Antarctica and the Arctic can affect the whole world, particularly in terms of sea level rise. 'The oceans and the penguins are influencing the atmosphere and actually influencing the local climate in Antarctica,' Boyer told the Washington Post. 'The local changes in Antarctica will have an impact on global climate.'
Entrepreneur
23-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
India, Germany Unite to Launch Green Hydrogen Hub in Andhra Pradesh
You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a defining moment for India's clean energy ambitions, Juno Joule Green Energy announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Select Energy GmbH, a leading German clean energy firm, at the World Hydrogen Summit 2025 on the evening of May 21, 2025, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The agreement, inked by Nagasharath Rayapati, CEO of Juno Joule, and Felix Danger, Managing Director of Select New Energies GmbH, represents a major step in co-developing an export-oriented green hydrogen and ammonia facility in Andhra Pradesh—an initiative poised to position India as a major player in global clean fuel markets. Esteemed dignitaries including Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of MNRE, and Abhay Bakre, Director General of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, graced the ceremony, reaffirming India's commitment to clean energy. German representation included Silke Frank, President of the German Hydrogen Association, reflecting strong Indo-German collaboration. With an estimated USD 1.3 billion investment, the facility near Mulapeta Port will be developed in three phases to produce 180 KTPA of green hydrogen by 2029, converting it into up to one million tons of green ammonia annually for export. The infrastructure includes desalination, electrolysers powered by solar, wind, and hydropower, and port-connected pipelines, all aligned with EU RFNBO and RED II/III regulations. "This collaboration reinforces our execution capability and accelerates the global transition to a low-carbon economy," said Nagasharath Rayapati. "We are honored to partner with SELECT as a co-developer in our mission to build a globally competitive green energy hub in India." The project is set to generate 5,000–6,000 jobs in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, spurring economic growth, skill development, and international technology exchange. Juno Joule's export-first strategy addresses market integration and certification challenges head-on, setting it apart from smaller domestic initiatives. As global leaders in clean technology—including Thyssenkrupp Nucera and KBR Inc.—lend their support, the MoU marks a pivotal milestone in building a scalable green hydrogen economy. With this partnership, India takes a bold step toward becoming a global clean fuel exporter—and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are poised to become the heart of that revolution.
