Proton Ventures, a Dutch player in the clean ammonia arena, has established a new development company with Norway’s independent clean energy company Barents Blue, previously a subsidiary of Horisont Energi , to bring to life a clean ammonia project, said to be Europe’s largest clean ammonia production plant, located in Finnmark, Northern Norway.
While Barents Blue holds a 75% interest in Barents Clean Ammonia , Proton Ventures has the remaining 25% of the shares. The partnership will advance the Barents Clean Ammonia project, formerly known as the Barents Blue project, toward a final investment decision (FID) in 2027, enabling production to begin in 2031.
The Dutch engineering and project development company, which is perceived to be a pioneer in the clean ammonia industry, will bring significant resources and industry expertise to the project and the value chain for clean ammonia. This is seen as being important for the realization of the clean ammonia production plant.
The Barents Blue project was awarded in 2021 a grant of NOK 482 million (around $47.27 million) under the EU IPCEI hydrogen program, Hy2Use, which is interpreted to have acknowledged the substantial potential and innovative nature of the Barents Clean Ammonia project.
The first ammonia production train is planned to produce 1 million tonnes of clean ammonia annually. As a result, it is anticipated to be among the most energy efficient blue ammonia plants in the world, with best-in-class carbon footprint and in compliance with the EU taxonomy and the Delegated Act for Low-carbon Hydrogen.