A Technological Milestone in Energy Transition

thyssenkrupp Uhde and Uniper have announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership to jointly develop and operate one of the first industrial-scale ammonia cracker plants globally. The project is set to begin at Uniper’s Gelsenkirchen-Scholven site in western Germany, and will play a central role in enabling large-scale hydrogen imports. At its core, the initiative seeks to resolve a key bottleneck in hydrogen infrastructure: long-distance, cost-efficient transportation and reconversion of hydrogen.

The ammonia cracker, once operational, will enable Germany and Europe to import ammonia produced from green or low-carbon hydrogen abroad, and convert it back to usable hydrogen for industrial consumption. This aligns with the EU’s and Germany’s aggressive decarbonization targets, particularly in heavy industries where electrification alone cannot meet energy needs.

First-of-Its-Kind Demonstration Plant in Germany

The facility, set to process 28 metric tons of ammonia per day, will be constructed on Uniper’s former coal-fired power plant site in Gelsenkirchen-Scholven, now being repurposed into a hub for sustainable energy projects. Construction has already begun following regulatory approvals, and the demonstration plant is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2026.

The design and build of the cracker will be handled by thyssenkrupp Uhde, a global expert in chemical plant engineering, with Uniper overseeing operational aspects. Once operational, the plant will produce high-purity hydrogen through catalytic cracking of ammonia at elevated temperatures, followed by a purification process. The data collected from this phase will be vital for developing full-scale commercial crackers.

Enabling Germany's Hydrogen Import Strategy

Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy heavily depends on importing hydrogen due to limited domestic production capacity. Ammonia cracking is therefore a critical technology for realizing this vision. Ammonia, unlike hydrogen, is already shipped globally in vast volumes for use in fertilizer production and industrial applications. Its liquid state at relatively moderate pressures makes it easier and more economical to transport compared to hydrogen.

By tapping into this existing global ammonia infrastructure, the project allows hydrogen to be imported from regions with abundant renewable energy, such as the Middle East, Australia, and South America, and converted back into hydrogen near the point of use. This model significantly reduces costs and supports energy security across the EU.

Government Support for Innovation & Security

The North Rhine-Westphalia state government has pledged funding to support innovative elements of the project, recognizing its potential to transform regional and national energy systems. Mona Neubaur, the state's Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy, praised the project as a major step forward in the state’s climate and industrial strategy.

“Hydrogen is one of the key technologies for the future viability of our industry,” Neubaur said. “With the help of ammonia cracking technology, we are opening up the possibility of obtaining green energy from numerous regions around the world, strengthening both sustainability and supply security.”

Industrial Applications & Market Impact

Hydrogen derived from ammonia cracking is expected to serve multiple industries including steel manufacturing, chemical processing, refining, and power generation. These sectors are some of the largest contributors to CO₂ emissions and have long sought scalable, low-emission alternatives. Uniper COO Holger Kreetz emphasized that industrial-scale hydrogen will be crucial to reducing Germany’s carbon footprint and maintaining industrial competitiveness.

The Gelsenkirchen project is also expected to create high-skilled jobs and revitalize the Scholven site, historically associated with coal power, into a showcase for green energy innovation. Around 150 to 200 technical jobs may be directly linked to the plant’s operation and maintenance, with further employment generated through the extended supply chain.

Proven Technology, Optimized for Scale

thyssenkrupp Uhde brings decades of experience in ammonia and hydrogen technologies to the table. CEO Nadja Håkansson noted that the design of the cracker plant will prioritize not only operational performance but also lifecycle cost-efficiency, safety, and reliability. The demonstration facility will allow optimization of reaction conditions, catalyst design, and downstream purification systems.

Ammonia cracking is not new at the laboratory scale, but this project aims to prove its efficiency, cost viability, and safety at industrial capacity. Lessons learned here will directly influence the design of future cracker facilities, including the proposed hydrogen import terminal in Wilhelmshaven, where ammonia-to-hydrogen conversion will occur at a much larger scale.

Global Implications for Hydrogen Trade

This initiative positions Germany as a leader in global hydrogen logistics and may serve as a blueprint for similar facilities in Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands. The integrated use of ammonia cracking to enable hydrogen imports unlocks new market dynamics, allowing resource-rich but demand-poor nations to export green hydrogen profitably.

With hydrogen projected to play a central role in decarbonizing up to 25% of global energy use by 2050, the ability to ship it efficiently is paramount. If successful, the Scholven ammonia cracker could become the template for international hydrogen exchange, accelerating both climate goals and industrial transition.

Key Takeaways

• thyssenkrupp Uhde and Uniper are building a 28 metric ton/day ammonia cracker to convert imported ammonia into hydrogen in Gelsenkirchen by 2026.

• The project is funded in part by the North Rhine-Westphalia state government and is vital for enabling Germany’s hydrogen import strategy.

• Ammonia cracking allows for scalable, low-cost global hydrogen trade, supporting decarbonization in hard-to-abate industries like steel and chemicals.