First Ammonia Partners with Worley to Pioneer Green Ammonia Production in Texas
U.S.-based ammonia developer First Ammonia has taken a significant step toward decarbonizing heavy industries by selecting Australian engineering giant Worley to deliver the front-end engineering design (FEED) for its flagship ammonia facility in Victoria, texas. This groundbreaking project, set to begin commercial operations in 2027, aims to produce 300 metric tonnes of electric ammonia daily using cutting-edge solid oxide electrolyzer technology (SOEC).
The FEED study, targeting completion by Q1 2025, will pave the way for construction to commence later that year. The facility’s use of SOEC technology is a game-changer,offering 30% greater energy efficiency compared to conventional electrolyzers. This innovation positions the project as a leader in enduring energy solutions,especially for hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry,transport fuels,and power generation.
Marc Van Den Boom,Senior Vice President of Gulf Coast Operations at Worley,expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We’re thrilled to partner with First Ammonia on this groundbreaking project. The plant is a pivotal step in delivering decarbonized energy solutions,and we look forward to supporting the project’s success.”
joel Moser, CEO of First Ammonia, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration: “We are excited to be partnering with worley, whose strong relationship with Topsoe, our technology licensor, and proven Gulf Coast expertise will help us decarbonize heavy industry, transport fuels, and power generation. Clean ammonia is essential in reducing emissions across hard-to-abate sectors, and Worley’s capabilities are vital for enabling decentralized, electric ammonia production.”
The project builds on a previous agreement between First Ammonia and Danish technology company Topsoe, signed in October 2024. This deal enabled the fabrication of the first 100 MW SOEC modules at Topsoe’s new factory in Herning, Denmark. Kim Hedegaard, CEO of Power-to-X at Topsoe, emphasized the project’s significance: “Projects like the Port of Victoria green ammonia facility are vital to decarbonizing energy-intensive industries such as long-distance transportation and maritime shipping… We are thankful for First Ammonia’s trust in Topsoe and our technology and are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Key Highlights of the Project
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Developer | First Ammonia |
| Engineering Partner | Worley |
| Location | Victoria, Texas |
| Technology | Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOEC) |
| Production Capacity | 300 metric tonnes of electric ammonia per day |
| Energy Efficiency | 30% more efficient than conventional electrolyzers |
| FEED Completion | Q1 2025 |
| commercial Operation | 2027 |
This project represents a significant leap forward in the global push for sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging Worley’s expertise and Topsoe’s innovative SOEC technology, First Ammonia is poised to set new benchmarks in green ammonia production, offering a scalable model for decarbonizing industries worldwide.
As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, projects like this underscore the critical role of collaboration between technology providers, engineering firms, and developers. The Port of Victoria facility is not just a milestone for Texas but a beacon of hope for a greener,more sustainable future.
Stay tuned for updates as this transformative project progresses, and explore how green ammonia could revolutionize industries by reducing emissions and driving innovation in energy production.
Interview with Joel Moser, CEO of First Ammonia
editor: Joel, thank you for joining us today. First Ammonia’s project in Victoria, Texas, is generating a lot of excitement. Can you tell us more about the importance of this project and why it’s a game-changer for the industry?
Joel Moser: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. This project is a pivotal step in decarbonizing heavy industries, which are some of the hardest sectors to abate when it comes to emissions. By leveraging Worley’s expertise and Topsoe’s cutting-edge solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) technology,we’re aiming to produce 300 metric tonnes of electric ammonia daily. This is not just about producing ammonia; it’s about doing so in a way that’s 30% more energy-efficient than conventional methods. This efficiency is crucial for making green ammonia a viable solution for industries like transportation, power generation, and heavy manufacturing.
Editor: That’s extraordinary. How does the collaboration with Worley and Topsoe enhance the project’s potential?
Joel Moser: Worley brings unparalleled engineering expertise, particularly in the Gulf Coast region, which is critical for the prosperous execution of this project. Their strong relationship with Topsoe, our technology licensor, ensures seamless integration of the SOEC modules. Topsoe’s technology is a game-changer because it allows us to produce ammonia with substantially lower energy consumption. This collaboration is a perfect blend of engineering excellence and innovative technology, which is essential for scaling up green ammonia production.
Editor: The project is set to begin commercial operations in 2027. What are the key milestones leading up to that date?
Joel Moser: The front-end engineering design (FEED) study, which is being handled by worley, is targeted for completion by Q1 2025. This will pave the way for construction to commence later that year. Once the FEED is finalized, we’ll move into the detailed engineering and procurement phases. The fabrication of the first 100 MW SOEC modules is already underway at Topsoe’s facility in Herning, Denmark. These modules will be shipped to Texas for installation, and we’re on track to start commercial operations by 2027.
Editor: How does this project fit into the broader global push for enduring energy solutions?
Joel Moser: this project is a meaningful leap forward in the global transition to cleaner energy sources. Green ammonia is a versatile energy carrier that can be used in various applications,from fuel for ships to a feedstock for fertilizers. By producing ammonia using renewable energy and highly efficient SOEC technology,we’re setting a new benchmark for sustainable industrial practices. This project is not just a milestone for Texas; it’s a model for how we can decarbonize industries worldwide.
Editor: what challenges do you foresee in scaling up green ammonia production, and how is First Ammonia addressing them?
Joel Moser: One of the biggest challenges is the scalability of the technology and the infrastructure required to support it.That’s why partnerships with companies like Worley and Topsoe are so vital. Their expertise and proven track record give us the confidence to scale up efficiently. Additionally, we’re focusing on decentralized production, which allows us to bring green ammonia closer to where it’s needed, reducing transportation costs and emissions. This approach is key to making green ammonia a practical solution for a wide range of industries.
Editor: what message would you like to share with stakeholders and the broader community about this project?
Joel Moser: I’d like to emphasize that this project is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation. By working together, we can tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions.This project is just the beginning,and we’re excited about the opportunities it will create for a greener,more sustainable future.
Conclusion
first Ammonia’s project in Victoria, Texas, represents a groundbreaking step in the global push for sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging Worley’s engineering expertise and Topsoe’s innovative SOEC technology, the project aims to produce 300 metric tonnes of electric ammonia daily, offering a scalable model for decarbonizing industries worldwide. With key milestones set for FEED completion by Q1 2025 and commercial operations beginning in 2027, this project is poised to set new benchmarks in green ammonia production. As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, collaborations like this underscore the critical role of innovation and partnership in driving a sustainable future.
