AFC Energy Forms Joint Venture to Produce Hydrogen from Ammonia
Key Ideas
- AFC Energy PLC and Industrial Chemicals Group Ltd have formed a joint venture to produce hydrogen from ammonia using innovative technology.
- The venture aims to offer hydrogen at a competitive market price without UK government subsidies, with initial revenues expected in early 2026.
- The JV plans to utilize AFC Energy's ammonia cracking technology and ICL's ammonia procurement expertise to create a cost-effective, low-carbon hydrogen supply chain.
- AFC's portable Hy-5 ammonia cracker units will be sold to the venture, with an output capacity target of up to 400 kilograms of hydrogen per day.
AFC Energy PLC, based in Cranleigh, England, announced a 50:50 joint venture with Industrial Chemicals Group Ltd to produce hydrogen from ammonia using AFC's proprietary ammonia cracking technology. This collaboration aims to provide hydrogen in the market at a disruptive price point without relying on UK government subsidies. The joint venture anticipates generating its first revenues in early 2026, with plans to expand production to up to 400 kilograms of hydrogen per day. The partnership will involve the sale of AFC Energy's portable Hy-5 ammonia cracker units, which can produce up to 500 kilograms of hydrogen per day. By combining AFC's cracking technology with ICL's ammonia procurement and logistics expertise, the venture seeks to establish a more affordable and sustainable hydrogen supply chain. The JV is set to acquire AFC's pilot ammonia cracking plant and hydrogen compression system later in the year. CEO John Wilson highlighted the strategic positioning of the venture to leverage the availability of green ammonia imports in the UK from 2027, emphasizing the advantages of ammonia storage over hydrogen storage due to lower capital costs. AFC Energy's shares saw a 7.1% increase following the announcement, reflecting positive market sentiment towards the joint venture's potential success.