South Korea and Samsung Heavy Industries join forces to develop green ammonia fuel

The Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KIER) and Samsung Heavy Industries have announced a strategic partnership to advance the development and commercialization of green ammonia fuel for the shipping industry. The two parties announced a collaboration on November 13 to meet the urgent need for carbon-neutral solutions and comply with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) strict regulations on greenhouse gas emissions.

Through this collaboration, KIER and Samsung Heavy Industries will work together to reduce the production cost of green ammonia. The two companies will jointly develop innovative technologies to reduce the production cost of green ammonia, making it a more economically viable fuel option. KIER will use its expertise in ammonia synthesis to develop multiple technologies to safely handle and utilize this toxic substance, ensuring the safety of crews and operations.

Samsung Heavy Industries will play a key role in demonstrating the practical application of green ammonia fuel in the shipping industry. By incorporating the technology into ship design and operations, the company aims to advance its commercialization and application.

The Korea Nuclear Energy Research Institute has made significant progress in ammonia synthesis technology. The company recently succeeded in synthesizing liquid ammonia at low pressure (less than 50 bar) and low temperature (less than 400 degrees Celsius). This breakthrough puts South Korea at the forefront of green ammonia production.

Lee Chang-geun, head of KIER, said: "Low-cost clean ammonia production and safe utilization technology is essential to meet the strict regulations of the International Maritime Organization. This cooperation with Samsung Heavy Industries will lay the foundation for a new era of carbon-neutral shipping."

Lee Dong-yeon, director of Samsung Heavy Industries Research Institute, also agreed and said: "Samsung Heavy Industries is committed to creating a value chain for environmentally friendly energy and decarbonization solutions. By leveraging our technological capabilities, we will contribute to a more sustainable future."