Both companies expressly regret the decision, but do not rule out resuming the project at a later date and under changed economic and regulatory conditions. LAT Nitrogen and VERBUND remain committed to their strategic orientation and continue to actively promote the expansion of the hydrogen economy. Among other things, both are members of the Hydrogen Import Alliance Austria (HIAA).
The Green Ammonia Linz (short “GrAmLi”) project, a partnership between VERBUND and LAT Nitrogen, planned to deploy a large-scale electrolyzer (60 MW) for the production of green hydrogen for the on-site production in the chemical park in Linz (Austria) of green ammonia, melamine, and fertilizers.
VERBUND Green Hydrogen GmbH and LAT Nitrogen GmbH initiated this project to advance national and EU goals for emission reduction, the development of green hydrogen projects and markets, strengthening the European economy, and securing jobs in the region.
The GrAmLi facility was intented to comprise of a 60 MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer as well as an innovative integrated green hydrogen storage and buffering concept, supplied with 100 % renewable energy. The goal was to supply the first production of green ammonia in Austria, while offering grid and balancing services at the same time.
The expected savings of up to 900,000 t CO2 in the first decade of operation would have represented a significant contribution towards achieving national and European climate goals.
By enabling the utilization of waste heat for local district heating and by valorizing oxygen in nitric acid production, the project was intended to achieve optimal energetic and economic efficiency.
As the largest PEM electrolyzer in its application context, GrAmLi was to set a new precedent in flexibilizing industrial production, positioning itself at the forefront of a modernized industry.
Despite regulatory challenges, the project aligned with strategic European energy goals and promised to contribute to a new market for green industrial and agrochemical products.
The Haber-Bosch process requires steady-state operation which contrasts the intermittent nature of green H2 production caused by the variability of renewable electricity generation. Furthermore, the European safety and technology standards are still taking shape or have not yet been fully established.
GrAmLi is set to transform ammonia production. We will transition from conventional, fossil fuel-based methods to sustainable green ammonia produced from green hydrogen. This critical shift is essential for decarbonising the chemical sector and establishing green ammonia as a fundamental component of sustainable agriculture and energy systems.
GrAmLi aims to produce 7,000 tonnes of green hydrogen through water electrolysis, which will be integrated into existing chemical processes for ammonia production, ultimately resulting in nearly 40,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually. This initiative is projected to avoid up to 900,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over its first ten years of operation, significantly contributing to national and European climate objectives and bolstering the European economy.
The project will utilize a flexible PEM electrolyzer to deliver advanced grid services, thereby generating additional revenue streams while enhancing the flexibility and stability of an electricity grid increasingly challenged by intermittent renewable energy sources. This integration supports the energy transition by ensuring a reliable power supply.
GrAmLi seeks to optimize the operation of the PEM electrolyzer within its industrial context from a techno-economic perspective, aiming to maximize overall process efficiency by utilizing by-products such as heat and oxygen. This optimization will involve exploring multiple revenue streams, including hydrogen and oxygen production, electricity pricing, grid services marketing, and ammonia production
The project will supply green hydrogen and ammonia to create a new market for sustainable industrial and agrochemical products, driving innovation and fostering a shift towards greener practices in the respective sectors. This market creation is essential for advancing the transition to a more sustainable economy.
| Aspect | Short-term | Yearly |
| Green H2 produced & utilized | 1 t/h | 7,000 t/a |
| Green O2 produced | 8 t/h | 56,000 t/a |
| Green O2 utilized directly | 2,4 t/h | 16,800 t/a |
| Waste heat produced | >14,5 MW | |
| Green ammonia produced | 5.7 t/h | 40,000 t/a |
| Power available for grid services | <50 MW | |
| CO2 emissions avoided | 90,000 t/a | |
| Natural gas replaced | 434 GWh/a | |
| Power saved indirectly | 7 GWh/a | |
| Additional power demand | <60 MW | |
| Process water demand | 9,5m3/h | 66,400 m3/a |
GrAmLi is a lighthouse project for the decarbonization of ammonia production and industrial decarbonization in general. It enables the early use of novel hydrogen technologies, which comes with various challenges for the project that can be categorized into commercial, technological, and regulatory types.
(i) supply large volumes of green hydrogen feedstock to replace grey hydrogen in an existing ammonia plant, to
(ii) enable the utilization of side products (oxygen, heat) and to
(iii) provide grid and balancing services.