Lemvig, Denmark and Tokyo, Japan, 5 October 2023
Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation (SSUMY), through its main subsidiary, Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the private Danish developer of renewable energy Skovgaard Energy for a future collaboration on green ammonia production.
Skovgaard Energy is building the world’s first dynamic and flexible green ammonia plant powered directly by 100% electricity from wind turbines and solar cells. The project will demonstrate that the dynamic Haber-Bosch ammonia synthesis can work as a potential energy storage technology without intermediate hydrogen storage. The project is financed by Danish EUDP funds and with Topsoe and Vestas as project partners. Production is scheduled for Q2 2024.
The Sumitomo Corporation Group, with its various business units operating through regional organizations around the world, conducts business activities in a wide range of industries globally and has been active in numerous renewable energy projects. The company will bring industrial-scale investments (amount not disclosed) and know-how to the project.
“We look forward to working with Skovgaard Energy, who we consider highly competent in their field. Located in Europe’s green transition hotspot with large wind and solar resources, state-of-the-art infrastructure and backed by local stakeholders, it is a natural fit for us to start our journey in this field here,” says Head of Energy Innovation Initiative, Ko Akiyama, from Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited.
Green fertilizers play a crucial role in maintaining agricultural productivity and ensuring that the world’s growing population of eight billion people has access to an adequate food supply, and green ammonia is also a promising potential fuel resource for ships. The North Sea, Northwest Jutland and the Port of Thyborøn – are ideally located for a production and distribution set up.
“We are excited to be part of this green transition process that combines renewable energy and green ammonia production. By replacing natural gas with green electricity, we can help farmers and shipping reduce their carbon footprint and ensure more stable food and fuel prices. The flexible ammonia production technology is an important step forward in facilitating access to cheap, green ammonia. Together with Sumitomo, we will have both resources and competencies for future scaled-up projects,” says CSO Bjarke Mollerup Bitsch from Skovgaard Energy.
About Sumitomo Corporation
Sumitomo Corporation (“SC”) is a leading global Fortune 500 trading and business investment company with 129 locations in 66 countries and regions. The company sees hydrogen and ammonia as one of the most important future energy sources for decarbonizing society. The company is actively engaged in the development of a wide range of hydrogen-related businesses, including local production for local consumer businesses, large value chain businesses that promote mass production, transportation, storage and utilization, and investment in new technologies.
About Skovgaard Energy
Skovgaard Energy is a Danish-based and privately owned developer of wind, solar, biomass and power-to-x projects with over 30 years of experience. The company has a track record of wind turbines in markets such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Germany. Skovgaard Energy strives to create solutions that address global challenges by working closely with local communities. For the ammonia project, Skovgaard Energy has partnered with wind turbine supplier Vestas Wind Systems and Topsøe, a global leader in catalysis and process technology. And now Sumitomo Corporation.
The Danish government has funded the project through the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program with DKK 10.7 million. EUR.
About the ammonia plant
The ammonia plant is located in Ramme near Lemvig in Jutland. With an annual production of 5,000 tons of green ammonia, 8,200 tons of CO2 are saved from being released into the atmosphere. Power will be supplied by 50 MW of solar panels and 12 MW of wind turbines.
The Skovgaard Energy project is based on a flexible renewable ammonia production technology that eliminates energy storage capacity such as batteries or water reservoirs.
About Thyborøn Harbour
The Port of Thyborøn is a dynamic commercial port over 100 years old with a strategic location on the Danish North Sea coast and safe navigation in all weather conditions. With its strategic location close to the future wind farms in the North Sea, the port has been developing rapidly in recent years in the offshore wind segment. 6 km of docks and 1,000,000 square meters of adjacent land serve four business areas with different needs.
For more information:
Skovgaard Energy:
Kristian Hansen
Head of Public Affairs – and Communications
+45 93 39 46 35
Sumitomo Corporation
Corporate Communications Dept.
Mail:
sc_koho_press@sumitomocorp.com
Mobile: +81 3 6285 3100