Saudi Arabia’s Aramco and SABIC Agri-Nutrients have obtained certifications recognizing blue hydrogen and ammonia production.To certify ammonia and hydrogen as blue, a significant part of the carbon dioxide associated with the manufacturing process needs to be captured and utilized in downstream applications.

Figure 1: Saudi Arabia’s Aramco and SABIC Agri-Nutrients have obtained certifications.

Figure 1 shows thatthe certifications were granted by TÜV Rheinland, a leading independent testing, inspection and certification agency based in Germany, to SABIC, in Jubail, for 37,800 tonnes of blue ammonia and to Aramco’s wholly-owned refinery SASREF, also in Jubail, for 8,075 tonnes of blue hydrogen. [1]

Ammonia and hydrogen are classified as "blue" when a large part of the CO2 produced during the manufacturing process is captured and utilized in downstream applications.Olivier Thorel, said: "These certifications are the first of their kind in the world and signify a major milestone in our efforts to develop clean energy solutions, and advance our hydrogen and ammonia export capabilities.

"This independent recognition reinforces the work of Aramco and SABIC in decarbonizing multiple sectors, including energy, aviation, transportation chemicals and fertilizer industries."Aramco and SABIC worked together on the world’s first shipment of blue ammonia, which is a carrier of hydrogen, from Saudi Arabia to Japan, in 2020. A total of 40 tonnes of blue ammonia was shipped for utilization in low-carbon power generation.

The certifications represent a milestone for companies which are aiming to become global leaders in the production of ammonia and hydrogen. [2]SABIC Vice President Fahad Al-Sherehy, for his part, said the move would help companies to leverage their strong existing infrastructure to produce blue ammonia that can help meet the world's growing needs for sustainable solutions.

In 2020, Aramco and SABIC collaborated on the world's first shipment of blue ammonia, a carrier of hydrogen, from Saudi Arabia to Japan. Forty tons of high-grade blue ammonia were dispatched for use in low-carbon power generation.

While marking a milestone for Aramco and SABIC in becoming global leaders in hydrogen and ammonia, the move is also helping Aramco reach its target to produce up to 11 million tons per annum of blue ammonia by 2030. [3]

Blue hydrogen production will contribute to Aramco’s ambition to achieve net-zero scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its wholly owned operations by 2050."Furthermore, SABIC is exploring opportunities to utilize hydrogen for green chemistry to strengthen its sustainable solution offerings," he added. [2]

References:

1. https://gulfnews.com/business/aramco-sabic-agri-nutrients-get-certificates-for-blue-hydrogen-ammonia-1.89713375
2. https://industryeurope.com/sectors/chemicals-biochemicals/aramco-sabic-awarded-first-ever-blue-hydrogen-ammonia-certif/
3. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/energy/general/aramco-sabic-receive-first-ever-certificate-for-blue-hydrogen-and-ammonia-products/35977

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), World’s First Certificates for Blue Hydrogen, Ammonia, Walmart, Anatechmaz, pp. 29