Navigating the Future of Low-Emission Ammonia and Fertilizer: Insights from the Ammonia Energy APAC Conference Perth and the Australian Hydrogen Council meeting and Pilbara Events June 2025
Introduction
From June 16-20, 2025, Perth and the Pilbara region hosted two pivotal events: the Ammonia Energy Association (AEA) APAC Conference and the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) Meeting, Networking Event, and Pilbara Delegation.
Attended by industry leaders, including Greg Butler (CTO, FarmN Pty Ltd) and myself, these events fostered collaboration among professionals dedicated to reducing global fuel and fertilizer emissions.
The AHC delegation also included visits to the Yara Pilbara Ammonia Plant, Port Hedland (the world’s busiest export port by tonnage) and a culturally significant Aboriginal rock art site.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend every session. Nonetheless, this blog distils key takeaways, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for ammonia in energy, shipping and nitrogen-based fertilizers.
The Challenge: Decarbonizing Hard-to-Abate Sectors
Electricity, the transportation of ships; and ammonia (for nitrogen-based fertilizers and fuel etc) are challenging industries to decarbonize due to the cost-effectiveness of their greenhouse gas (GHG)-intensive production methods. Regulatory measures, such as carbon pricing, and carbon crediting mechanisms are critical to make low-emission technologies financially viable. Even with these supports, low-emission ammonia and fertilizers may require market premiums to ensure economic feasibility. This creates a "chicken-and-egg" dilemma:
• Producers need demand certainty and premium pricing to invest in low-emission ammonia production, which requires regulatory intervention, financial assistance and takes time to develop.
• Users require assurance of sufficient low-emission ammonia supply at a market acceptable price to justify investments in compatible technologies.
Regardless, the good news is that progress is being made in all areas (Energy/Fuel/N-Fertilizers, Manufacturing, Material Handling & Storage and Blue and Green solutions) and visionary pioneers across all sectors were at these two conferences.
N-Fertilizer accounts for ~ 2% of global GHG emissions
Ocean freight accounts for ~ 3% of global GHG emissions
Fossil fuel generated electricity accounts for ~ 29.7% of global GHG emissions
Ammonia as a Fuel: Progress and Potential
Co-Firing in Power Generation
JERA’s trial at the Hekinan Thermal Power Plant in Japan, co-firing 20% ammonia with coal in 2024, demonstrated the viability of ammonia as a low-carbon fuel for power generation. This large-scale trial confirmed that ammonia co-firing is technically feasible without significantly increasing nitrogen oxide (NOx) or nitrous oxide (N20) emissions, paving the way for broader adoption in coal plants.
As a resource-constrained nation, transitioning to a low carbon economy, Singapore also needs to secure long-term supplies of low-carbon energy. Keppel Infrastructure is leading several decarbonization opportunities, including a project for ammonia power generation and bunkering on Jurong Island.
Ammonia in Shipping
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is committed to supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 - to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts - and the Paris Agreement by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping.
The maritime sector achieved a milestone in April 2025 at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting with approval of draft legal text for the "IMO Net-Zero Framework", with a view to adoption at an extra-ordinary session of MEPC in October 2025. If adopted in October, the measures are expected to enter into force 16 months later and will drive demand for low-emission fuels like ammonia.
Discussions at the AEA conference, including MIAL, MOL, DNV and NYK, emphasized steps toward ammonia-powered shipping - supported by trials by the Port Authority of Singapore in the Port of Singapore and the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation’s ammonia transfer pilot in the Pilbara (September 2024).
Safe Handling and Bunkering
Ammonia’s hazardous nature requires robust safety protocols. The AEA conference highlighted advancements in ammonia transfer, handling, storage, and bunkering, with standards being developed for commercial applications. The DNV, Seatech, and Oceania Marine Energy’s collaboration showcased a proposed 10,000 cbm ammonia bunkering vessel “Oceania α”, enhancing infrastructure for maritime use that could be based in the Pilbara.
Turbine Technology
Several companies are advancing ammonia-fuelled turbines:
• Mitsubishi Power is developing a 40-MW class turbine for 100% ammonia combustion, targeting commercialization by 2025.
• IHI Corporation, in collaboration with GE Vernova, has demonstrated a 2 MW ammonia-fuelled turbine and is working on larger-scale solutions.
• Marvel Tech have developed a tri-fuel turbine, compatible with gas, hydrogen and ammonia.
Blue and Green Ammonia/N-Fertilizer Solutions
Blue Ammonia with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Blue ammonia, produced using fossil fuels with CCS, is a critical transitional solution. Pilot Energy’s Mid West Clean Energy (Renewable Energy and CCS) Project south of Geraldton and NH3 Clean Energy’s planned CCS-based ammonia plant in the Pilbara, leverage proximity to gas reserves, suitable storage sites and in the case of the Mid West Clean Energy Project - excellent wind and sun profiles supporting diurnal renewable energy production. Their strategic locations enhance financial viability.
Green Ammonia/N-Fertilizer
Nick Davies from Dubbl hosted an informative breakout session discussing opportunities in the Ag and Fertilizer markets - including excellent research from S&P Global on the projected global demand of Ammonia.
Supported by consumer demand; regulatory requirements (including Border Adjustment Mechanisms) and GHG accounting rewuirements; and the added value of carbon credits and commodity certificates, the financial case for Green ammonia and N-Fertilizers produced using renewable energy and/or emerging technologies are gaining traction.
For example Hiringa has been involved in a partnership developing the Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia (GEGHA) N-Fertilizer project. In this project, green ammonia will not only be used as a direct-injection fertiliser, it will also be used to decarbonise irrigation pumps, farm equipment, and transport trucks: a full value chain solution. They shared the success story of the initiative of Good Earth Cotton to create a market which places increased value for low emission clothing. The premium price along with carbon credits has allowed the project to pass FID.
Emerging Technologies
Technology Developers with innovative technologies who presented or attended include:
• Jupiter Ionics: Utilizes electrochemical synthesis powered by renewables to produce carbon-neutral ammonia from water and air.
• Rhizo PTX: Develops modular electrolysis systems with non-platinum catalysts to create GHG-free fertilizers.
• Hydgene: Converts biomass waste into hydrogen using biocatalysts, ideal for remote areas.
• Hazer Group: Eliminates carbon emissions from traditional natural gas-derived hydrogen by directing the carbon away from the atmosphere and into a crystalline material. Where biomethane is used to derive hydrogen, the Hazer process produces carbon negative hydrogen. Hazer is working globally with KBR to enable widespread and rapid deployment.
• Liquium: Develops catalysts to boost brown ammonia plant output by 20% without increasing emissions.
• Airbridge: Captures CO₂ from industrial emitters and converts it into liquid form for transport and use in valuable commodities.
• Cavendish Renewable Technology: Converts ammonia directly into electricity, offering a potentially more efficient way to utilize ammonia as a hydrogen carrier.
• Plug Power: a modular and stackable Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) system making it suitable for pairing with renewable energy sources like solar and wind to produce green hydrogen.
These technologies promise to accelerate decarbonization across ammonia and fertilizer production.
LCA’s, Carbon Credits and Commodity Certification
Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)
LCA’s such as those delivered by FarmN Pty Ltd are the foundation for all carbon services and quantify a product’s carbon footprint. Validated methodologies and third-party-verified certification held with reputable registries will ensure credibility for low-emission products in shipping, energy, and agriculture.
Certification for Low-Emission Ammonia
As demand for low-emission ammonia grows—projected to more than double by 2050 (primarily for fuel and energy applications)—a standardized, high-integrity certification framework is essential. The AEA’s Ammonia Certification Project aims to provide emission factor certificates, enabling downstream users to integrate low-emission ammonia into Scope 1 and Scope 3 GHG accounting. FarmN is committed to helping project developers maximise carbon service opportunities like these that compliance and emerging regulations (such as border adjustment mechanisms) are creating.
High Integrity, High Value Carbon Credits for Low Emission Fertiliser manufacture
Ammonia is a key precursor for nitrogen-based fertilizers. FarmN’s technology-agnostic methodology for low-emission fertilizer production (with Gold StandardTM) will provide a significant additional revenue stream that will attract investment for projects being developed within voluntary carbon markets, addressing the financial challenges of decarbonization.
The Pilbara: A Strategic Hub
The Pilbara region is ideally positioned for low-emission ammonia production and bunkering:
• Port Hedland: As the world’s largest export port by tonnage, it supports established shipping routes to Asia, a key market for ammonia co-firing in power plants.
• Renewable Energy: Abundant solar and wind resources, with nightly wind generation complementing solar, ensure reliable renewable energy for green ammonia production.
• CCS Potential: Proximity to gas reserves and suitable storage sites makes blue ammonia production viable.
• Yara Pilbara: The site tour showcased both Yara and the Australian Governments investment in reducing emissions by producing green ammonia using renewable electricity.
Conclusion
The 2025 AEA APAC Conference and AHC events highlighted ammonia’s transformative potential in decarbonizing energy, shipping, and fertilizer production. Blue and green ammonia solutions, supported by regulatory incentives and innovative technologies, are addressing the chicken-and-egg dilemma of supply and demand. The Pilbara’s strategic advantages position it as a global hub for low-emission ammonia. As certification frameworks and safety standards evolve, the industry is poised for significant growth, driven by visionary pioneers committed to a sustainable future.
About the Author and FarmN Pty Ltd
Carl Richardson is the Managing Director of Farmn Pty Ltd.
FarmN Pty Ltd is a carbon service provider specialising in Nitrogen Production – as a fuel, as carrier of hydrogen and as a fertilizer. By developing the world’s first technology agnostic methodology for low emission Nitrogen Fertilizer production with Gold StandardTM , FarmN Pty are at the forefront of carbon service specialists in the Ammonia and N-Fertilizer sector. If you have any questions or if you wish to engage FarmN Pty Ltd as your carbon service provider, please send you enquiry to FarmN.
