German Energy company Mabanaft has signed a letter of intent with US-based Pattern Energy to consider a potential transaction for the supply to Mabanaft of green ammonia.
The green ammonia would be produced by Pattern Energy at the Port of Argentia, in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, starting in 2027, according to a news release.
The green ammonia production would require a new production facility with an estimated production capacity of 400 tonnes of ammonia per day. As part of the LOI, Mabanaft also plans to evaluate the opportunity to potentially become a co-investor next to Pattern Energy and share ammonia and infrastructure expertise. The green ammonia, produced with wind energy and hydroelectricity, is expected to make an important contribution to supplying industry in northern Germany and beyond with energy from renewable sources.
The LoI was signed by representatives of both companies at Mabanaft’s headquarters in Hamburg in the presence of the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Habeck, the Canadian Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Wilkinson and Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs Leonhard. Habeck and a political delegation from Canada also visited Mabanaft as part of their jointly organised German-Canadian Hydrogen and Ammonia Producer-Offtaker Symposium in Hamburg on 18 March 2024. The delegation trip included visits to companies in Hamburg that are engaged in hydrogen production, hydrogen storage or hydrogen use.
Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs Dr Melanie Leonhard: “The planned collaboration will bring energy from Canadian wind to Hamburg! In future, hydrogen and its derivatives are to be produced with wind energy in the windy region and then transported by ship to the German hydrogen capital, Hamburg. Thanks to the strong industry here, there is security of supply for the energy-intensive industries. Through cooperation between the Port of Hamburg and our Canadian partners, we will help to create the necessary infrastructure on the Canadian side.”
The “New Energy Gate” in Hamburg is also set to play a key role in Mabanaft’s planned imports of green ammonia. The planned New Energy Gate Hamburg is to become Mabanaft’s first major hub for the import, storage and processing of fuels from renewable energy sources. In November 2022, Mabanaft announced plans to build up an import terminal for green energy in the Port of Hamburg, with the US company Air Products as an anchor customer. Volker Ebeling, Senior Vice President New Energy, Supply and Infrastructure at Mabanaft, says: “We are absolutely convinced that hydrogen and its derivatives will play a key role in the energy supply of industrialised nations. The Letter of Intent we have signed today with Pattern Energy is a renewed commitment to this path.”
Cary Kottler, Chief Development Officer of Pattern Energy says: “Pattern Energy is thrilled to be working closely with Mabanaft on the further development of the Argentia Renewables project in Newfoundland & Labrador. As a renewable energy leader in North America, Pattern Energy seeks to partner with energy industry leaders in Europe to fully develop the potential of green fuels production and export infrastructure in North America. The Argentia Renewables project is well positioned to be an early mover in the green hydrogen economy and will serve as an important element in Europe’s energy transition.”
