Saudi Arabia Sends Low-Carbon Ammonia Power Punch to Japan in Historic Shipment

Japan: A significant development in the usage of low-Carbon energy has been achieved as the first batch of independently certified low-Carbon Ammonia was delivered to Japan for utilization in power generation. This shipment stands as a notable milestone in the evolution of this eco-friendly energy source. The successful production of Ammonia was the outcome of a multi-party collaboration across the low-Carbon Ammonia value chain.

The feedstock came from Aramco and was produced by SABIC Agri-Nutrients. The low-Carbon Ammonia was sold to Fuji Oil Company by Aramco Trading Company, and the liquid was transported to Japan aboard a vessel managed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. The Sodegaura Refinery received the fuel, where it was utilized for co-fired power generation with technical backing from Japan Oil Engineering Co.

According to the 2050 decarbonization objectives of the country, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry intends to utilize Ammonia as both power generation and ship propulsion fuel. This milestone highlights the potential of low-Carbon Hydrogen and Ammonia made from Aramco feedstock, which could play a significant part in a more sustainable future.

Ammonia is considered low Carbon because the CO₂ from its manufacturing process is captured and utilized downstream. It not only enables the transportation of lower-Carbon Hydrogen, but also serves as a crucial energy source, helping to decarbonize key sectors such as power generation for both utilities and industries. The dispatch of this verified low-Carbon Ammonia to Japan will pave the way for the development of this crucial commodity.

SABIC Agri-Nutrients has announced its commitment to achieving Carbon neutrality by 2050 and supporting its customers in achieving their net-zero emissions targets. As demand for lower-Carbon Hydrogen and Ammonia increases in the energy, fertilizer, and chemical sectors, SABIC Agri-Nutrients are leveraging its strengths along the value chain to meet this demand.

With Japan targeting Carbon neutrality by 2050, low-Carbon Ammonia is expected to be a key next-generation fuel in reducing CO₂ emissions. To contribute to the construction of the Ammonia supply chain, SABIC Agri-Nutrients plans to reduce CO₂ emissions from its own operations by burning low-Carbon Ammonia in collaboration with partners.

The successful collaboration between Aramco, SABIC, Aramco Trading, and Japanese partners is a significant feat and a testament to the power of teamwork. This landmark achievement is a major boost for sustainability efforts, especially in the increasing demand for Ammonia as a clean energy source.

In line with Japan's goal of achieving a Carbon-neutral society by 2050, the plan is to transport certified low-Carbon Ammonia safely and reliably from Saudi Arabia to Japan through multiple transportation modes, in accordance with customers' needs.