Uniper and thyssenkrupp Uhde signed a framework agreement that paves the way for building commercial ammonia cracking plants. Under this agreement, Uniper has secured license packages to use thyssenkrupp Uhde’s advanced ammonia cracking technology. The plan covers up to six large-scale plants with a combined capacity of 7,200 metric tons of ammonia per day.
Supporting Europe’s Hydrogen Transition
The partnership aims to accelerate Europe’s shift to clean hydrogen. Transporting hydrogen directly is technically complex and costly. However, ammonia offers a practical and efficient alternative because it can be easily liquefied and shipped over long distances. High-performance cracking technology is essential to convert ammonia back into hydrogen at scale. Therefore, this project becomes a key step in building a resilient hydrogen infrastructure for Europe.
Wilhelmshaven Terminal to Play a Central Role
The agreement outlines the use of this technology at Uniper’s planned hydrogen import terminal in Wilhelmshaven. The license package includes engineering support, services, key equipment, and catalysts. Uniper is currently progressing with the pre-FEED (front-end engineering and design) phase for the commercial-scale plant.
This phase will define the project scope, confirm technical and economic viability, and reduce potential risks. The FEED phase is expected to begin at the end of next year, marking another milestone toward project execution.
Partnership’s Impact
Holger Kreetz, COO of Uniper, emphasized, “Domestic production alone cannot meet future hydrogen demand. Imports of hydrogen derivatives will be essential. Our agreement with thyssenkrupp Uhde is a decisive step toward enabling global hydrogen trading.”
Nadja Håkansson, Member of the Executive Board / COO of thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies and CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, added, “Our partnership with Uniper shows how cross-industry collaboration drives real value. With our world-leading ammonia technology and strong project execution experience, we are helping to build the global hydrogen economy.”
Building on Earlier Demonstration Success
Earlier in spring 2025, the companies announced a demonstration ammonia cracker at Uniper’s Gelsenkirchen-Scholven site in Germany. The plant, with a capacity of 28 metric tonnes of ammonia per day, serves as the technological foundation for scaling to commercial levels.
As per company press release, the newly signed agreement marks the next step in bringing this crucial hydrogen conversion technology to industrial maturity. The demonstration facility—supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia – plays a vital role in enhancing energy security and supporting the transition of energy-intensive industries.
