OCI, a leading global producer and distributor of hydrogen-based products, has partnered with NortH2 project to develop the first integrated green ammonia and methanol value chains to OCI’s plants in the Netherlands.

“Green ammonia and methanol production is a logical starting point to develop a green economy in the Netherlands and Europe as it creates a wide range of green products helping create sustainable value chains of food, fuels and consumer goods,” said Ahmed El-Hoshy, chief executive officer of OCI.

Green transition

NortH2 is a large-scale offshore wind-to-hydrogen electrolysis project being developed in the Eemshaven area. During its current feasibility phase NortH2 consists of Equinor, RWE, Shell and Gasunie with the support of Groningen Sea Ports.

Joining forces with NortH2 will provide OCI with a stable and large-scale supply of green hydrogen which will allow the company to decarbonise its production processes and meet growing demand from its customers in the downstream value chain for renewable hydrogen.

Using 1 GW of NortH2’s green hydrogen, OCI said it can help the Netherlands achieve a significant 4% of the 2030 climate targets set for Dutch industry, equivalent to taking 450,000 cars off the road.

The letter of intent on which the partnership is based, is an important development for the hydrogen economy. Ammonia and methanol’s versatility means that they can be shipped anywhere in the world to power transportation, communities and industry.

Eneco, a sustainable energy company, with operations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK, has also announced it will join the NortH2 consortium as an investment partner, thereby underpinning the importance of broad cooperation throughout the value chain.

Eneco, Shell, Equinor and RWE intend to continue together after the joint study phase and produce a large-scale supply for the industry of up to 4 GW by 2030.