Yara International has officially opened its new ammonia import terminal in Brunsbüttel, Germany. Strategically located on the North Sea and the Kiel Canal, this terminal is set to become a key hub in driving Germany’s hydrogen economy. The facility is designed to handle the import of up to three million tonnes of low-emission ammonia annually, supporting Europe’s transition to cleaner energy.
The opening ceremony, attended by representatives from German and Norwegian authorities, marks a significant step in Yara’s strategy to grow its core nitrogen business while advancing toward a low-carbon future. Yara, a global leader in crop nutrition, is using its expertise in ammonia shipping and distribution to support Germany’s energy transition by supplying low-emission ammonia at competitive prices.
“As the largest global shipper and distributor of ammonia, Yara Clean Ammonia is in a prime position to supply Germany with low-emission ammonia, accelerating the hydrogen economy and paving the way for a net-zero future,” said Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia. The Brunsbüttel terminal’s annual import capacity of three million tonnes of ammonia translates to approximately 530,000 tonnes of hydrogen, representing around 5% of Europe’s total hydrogen target for 2030.
The new terminal will be instrumental in supporting Germany’s hydrogen strategy and contributing to the broader European energy transition. Its location makes Brunsbüttel a critical hub for ammonia and hydrogen distribution across Europe, strengthening the continent’s move toward cleaner energy sources.
“For 50 years, we’ve been producing vital products for Germany and Europe at our Brunsbüttel site. Today’s inauguration is a milestone in our journey towards a low-carbon future,” said Sven Kohnke, plant manager at Yara Brunsbüttel.
The imported ammonia can be delivered directly to industries where it can be converted into low-emission hydrogen. This process is crucial for decarbonizing sectors like steel and chemicals, which rely on hydrogen to reduce emissions. Low-emission ammonia, produced either through renewable electricity electrolysis or carbon capture and storage (CCS), has become a key decarbonization tool for both traditional uses like fertilizers and emerging applications such as low-emission shipping fuel, refinery emissions reduction, and hydrogen transport.
Germany’s demand for low-emission ammonia is expected to surge in the coming years, with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection estimating that up to 70% of future ammonia needs will have to be imported by 2030, and even more in the following years.
This new terminal also strengthens the energy partnership between Germany and Norway. In June, Yara launched a renewable hydrogen pilot plant in Norway, the largest of its kind in Europe, serving as a critical steppingstone toward a low-carbon future.
