Uniper and thyssenkrupp Uhde have signed a framework agreement that lays the foundation for the construction of commercial ammonia-cracking plants. Uniper has secured license packages for the use of thyssenkrupp Uhde’s ammonia-cracking technology. The agreement covers up to six large-scale plants with a total capacity of 7,200 metric tons of ammonia per day (mtpd). The use of hydrogen sourced from ammonia on an industrial scale will make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of national and European industries. Direct transport of hydrogen is technically and economically very demanding. Ammonia, on the other hand, is well-suited as a transport and storage medium, as it can be liquefied relatively easily and shipped in large quantities. Without high-performance cracking technology, large-volume hydrogen imports would not be feasible. This project therefore represents an important step toward building a resilient energy infrastructure in Europe.

The agreement provides the basis for using the technology at Uniper’s planned hydrogen import terminal in Wilhelmshaven. The license package includes engineering and service support as well as the supply of key equipment and catalysts. Uniper is currently carrying out a Pre-FEED (Front-End Engineering and Design) for a commercial-scale plant at the Wilhelmshaven site. During this Pre-FEED phase, the design basis for the project is created, the project scope is defined in more detail, and the technical and economic feasibility is further assessed, thereby reducing uncertainties and risks. The goal is to establish a solid foundation for the subsequent FEED phase, which is planned to begin at the end of next year.

Holger Kreetz, COO of Uniper: "Domestic production alone will not be sufficient to meet future hydrogen demand—we will depend on imports of hydrogen derivatives. With the agreement with thyssenkrupp Uhde, we are taking the next step toward enabling global hydrogen trade. Ammonia crackers are a key element of international hydrogen logistics. Together with thyssenkrupp Uhde, we are creating the essential prerequisites for the infrastructure that Europe needs for its energy future—including our planned hydrogen import terminal in Wilhelmshaven."

Nadja Håkansson, Member of the Management Board / COO of thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies & CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde: "Our partnership with Uniper demonstrates how cross-industry collaboration creates real value. With our world-leading ammonia technology and our experience in delivering complex plant projects, we are making a significant contribution to decarbonization and to establishing a global hydrogen market."

As early as spring 2025, Uniper and thyssenkrupp Uhde had announced the construction of one of the world’s first demonstration plants for ammonia cracking at Uniper’s power plant site in Gelsenkirchen-Scholven. The plant, with a capacity of 28 metric tons of ammonia per day, serves as a technological stepping stone for the commercial-scale development now agreed upon. The newly signed framework agreement, along with the licenses for large-scale commercial plants, is a logical next step toward achieving industrial maturity for this key technology for global hydrogen trade. The demonstration plant is supported by the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and makes an important contribution to energy security and the sustainable transformation of energy-intensive industries.

Press Contacts

thyssenkrupp Uhde

Christian Dill

Pressesprecher

T +49 231 547 3334

christian.dill@thyssenkrupp.com 

Uniper

Svenja Kaltheuner

Pressesprecherin

T +49 1515 1500408

svenja.kaltheuner@uniper.energy

About thyssenkrupp Uhde

thyssenkrupp Uhde combines unique technological expertise with decades of worldwide experience in engineering, procurement, construction, and servicing of chemical plants. We develop innovative processes and products for a more sustainable future and thus contribute to the long-term success of our customers in nearly all areas of the chemical industry. Our portfolio includes leading technologies for the production of basic chemicals, fertilizers, and polymers, as well as complete value chains for green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals. www.thyssenkrupp-uhde.com www.thyssenkrupp-uhde.com

About Uniper

Düsseldorf-based Uniper is a European energy company with global reach and activities in more than 40 countries. With around 7,500 employees, the company plays a central role in ensuring a secure energy supply in Europe—particularly in its core markets Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands. With 14 gigawatts of flexible power plant capacity, Uniper is a backbone of reliable electricity generation. As a leading gas trader and one of the most important LNG importers in Northwest Europe, Uniper strengthens security of supply with a broad procurement portfolio. Through investments in renewable energy, hydrogen, and other low-carbon energy carriers, Uniper is also driving the transformation of the energy system.

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