Fortescue chooses KBR’s ammonia technology for Norway energy project

U.S. engineering company KBR has signed a contract to provide its green ammonia technology K-GreeN for the Holmaneset green energy project in Norway, being developed by Australia-based green energy, technology and metals company Fortescue. Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide technology license, proprietary engineering design and front-end engineering design (FEED) support services for the 675 metric tonnes per day grassroots green ammonia plant in Norway.

Jay Ibrahim, President of KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions, expressed excitement about working with Fortescue to offer zero-carbon green ammonia technology. KBR is dedicated to contributing to the development of the green energy value chain and decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries. The company looks forward to collaborating with Fortescue to advance their ESG objectives.

The Holmaneset plant will produce green ammonia through electrolyzers that will use renewable hydropower for hydrogen production. The ammonia is expected to be shipped to domestic and European markets, contributing to the decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries. Fortescue is targeting construction to commence in 2025 and operations in 2027, subject to final approvals from the board.

Fortescue has allocated Tecnimont, a business unit of Italy’s Maire, the FEED work for the plant beginning in 2024. The scope of work includes the design of electrolyzer integration, the air separation unit for nitrogen production, the ammonia production plant, storage, and ship loading facilities. Tecnimont is also expected to submit an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) proposal for the realization of the plant.

In 2023, key milestones for the Holmaneset project include the awarding of a €203.7 million grant by the European Union (EU) for the green ammonia plant, as well as securing renewable power for the project. Fortescue has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Statkraft, a supplier of renewable energy.