SwitcH2 has joined forces with CorPower Ocean to develop an industrial-scale floating green ammonia production facility that integrates wave energy as a key power source.
Backed by Norway-based BW Offshore and Dutch Oceans Capital, SwitcH2 is spearheading the advancement of offshore green hydrogen and green ammonia production units. These systems leverage proven FPSO (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading) technologies. By incorporating a mix of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and now wave energy, the project aims to achieve a more balanced and sustainable green electricity supply.
With grant funding from the Dutch Government’s GroenvermogenNL TSE (Top Sector Energie) program, SwitcH2 is set to launch an open-sea project off northern Portugal. This initiative will utilize CorPower Ocean’s innovative wave energy technology to power the facility.
The NH3-FPSO unit will be housed on a purpose-built vessel, nearly the size of a VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier). It will feature a 300 MW electrolysis plant capable of producing nearly 300,000 tons of green ammonia annually. The ammonia will be stored in pressurized tanks on the vessel before being exported to shore via dedicated shuttle carriers. The facility aims to begin green ammonia production by 2029, providing a vital resource to fuel oceangoing vessels and support global decarbonization efforts.
The green ammonia market, driven by its potential to decarbonize global shipping and its established role in fertilizer production, is forecasted to grow exponentially. Valued at $0.7 billion in 2024, the market is expected to reach $55 billion by 2032. Its high energy density and easy storage make it a preferred fuel choice for reducing emissions in the shipping sector, which currently accounts for 3% of global emissions.
SwitcH2’s Director and Co-founder Saskia Kunst highlighted the importance of the partnership with CorPower Ocean:
“Integrating wave energy into our offshore production system brings significant economic benefits. We are looking at a buoyant market for green ammonia, which is projected to expand six-fold by 2050. This project will play a crucial role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, including global shipping.”
CorPower Ocean’s Commercial Director Kevin Rebenius emphasized wave energy’s transformative potential:
“Wave energy is one of the largest untapped renewable resources globally. Its consistency enhances energy stability, enabling continuous renewable electricity supply for industrial processes like this. We’re thrilled to collaborate with SwitcH2 on advancing clean energy solutions.”
Beyond Portugal, SwitcH2 is exploring ambitious projects in West Africa and the Dutch sector of the North Sea. These projects aim to bolster ammonia and hydrogen exports, supporting the transition to gigawatt-scale renewable energy production.
“Our floating production system is a mobile asset that can be built where costs are lowest and deployed globally to access competitively priced wind, wave, and solar energy,” added Ms. Kunst.
Meanwhile, CorPower Ocean continues to gain traction, securing €32 million in Series B1 funding, signaling growing confidence in wave energy as a mainstream renewable source.
Together, SwitcH2 and CorPower Ocean are charting a course toward a cleaner, more sustainable future powered by innovative renewable technologies.
