Topsoe signs Memorandum of Understanding for ultra low emission ammonia project in Indonesia

• Today, Topsoe, Copenhagen Atomics, Alfa Laval, Aalborg CSP, Pupuk Kaltim and Pertamina New & Renewable Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the intent to investigate the possibilities of establishing ultra low emission (pink) ammonia production in Indonesia
• If realized, the project will combine next generation electrolysis technology with state-of-the art nuclear technology
• Topsoe will deliver its high-efficient electrolysis technology, SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell), to produce ultra low emission hydrogen, which will be converted into ammonia to use as fertilizer.

Topsoe, a global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a group of partners, with the intent to set-up ammonia production in Bontang, Indonesia. The resulting fertilizer can support the food consumption for 45 million people in Indonesia, approximately one sixth of the Indonesian population.

 The proposed project will utilize Topsoe’s industry leading ammonia synthesis technology coupled with its next generation electrolysis cells, SOEC, which makes the production of hydrogen up to 30% more efficient than competing technologies.

Nikolaj Knudsen, Head of Business Development Power-to-X, Topsoe, said:
“The outlook of contributing to better food conditions for 45 million people in Indonesia, while leaving a close to zero carbon footprint is absolutely amazing. This is a very promising and progressive project, and we are excited to be able to support with our world-class Power-to-X solutions.”

Copenhagen Atomics will deliver the project’s modular thorium reactors.

Thomas Jam Pedersen, chairman of the board and co-founder of Copenhagen Atomics, said:
“The perspective is enormous. Low emission ammonia at a low price helps reduce the world's CO2 emissions, and for our Thorium reactors, that market is a huge opportunity, especially when we can offer a complete plant together with our partners.”

The project partners will now thoroughly investigate the operational and regulatory conditions for establishing ammonia production in Indonesia based on molten salt fourth generation nuclear as feedstock.

About the project

• Partners: Four Danish companies, Copenhagen Atomics, Alfa Laval, Aalborg CSP and Topsoe, and two state-owned Indonesian companies, Pupuk Kaltim and Pertamina New & Renewable Energy
• Electrolysis capacity: The proposed plant will have an electrolysis capacity of 1GW and consist of 25 small modular reactors (SMRs).
• Electrolysis technology: SOEC, which is the most efficient electrolyzer technology. It can be even more efficient when integrated with waste heat from other processes, lowering the cost of hydrogen production further. Nuclear power plants generate significant amounts of waste heat, making SOEC the perfect match to produce hydrogen efficiently.
• Outcome: The hydrogen will be converted to one million tons of ultra low emission ammonia per year, which could translate into fertilizer for food consumption for 45 million people in Indonesia.
• The plant will save the emission of 1.7 million tonnes CO₂ per year compared to natural gas based fertilizer production.

About Topsoe 
Founded in 1940, Topsoe is a leading global developer and supplier of decarbonization technology, catalysts, and services for the energy transition. 

Our mission is to combat climate change by helping our partners and customers achieve their decarbonization and emission-reduction targets, including those in hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, shipping, and the production of raw materials. From carbon reduction chemicals to renewable fuels and plastic upcycling, we are uniquely positioned to aid humanity in realizing a sustainable future. 

Topsoe is headquartered in Denmark, with over 2,400 employees serving customers all around the globe. To learn more, visit www.topsoe.com.

 
For more information, please contact: 
Ulrik Frøhlke, Media Relations Manager, Topsoe 
Phone: +45 27 77 99 68 
Mail: ulfr@topsoe.com