ITOCHU And Hive Hydrogen South Africa Collaborate For Green Ammonia Project In Coega

ITOCHU Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Hive Hydrogen South Africa, marking a significant step in the development of sustainable and low-cost hydrogen and ammonia supply chains.

The collaboration, in line with the joint efforts of Japan and the Republic of South Africa, will focus on a green ammonia production project in Coega, Nelson Mandela Bay. Leveraging abundant renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, along with existing infrastructure, the initiative aims to produce and market competitive green ammonia.

Green ammonia, recognized as a hydrogen carrier with efficient transport and storage capabilities, is anticipated to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions when utilized as a CO2-free fuel for thermal power plants and ships.

The production process involves deriving green ammonia from green hydrogen, itself produced through electrolysis using renewable energy. This approach positions green ammonia as a promising, sustainable energy resource for achieving net-zero CO2 emissions.

ITOCHU’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is evident in its Medium-term Management Plan, emphasizing the establishment of supply chains for low-carbon ammonia. The corporation has been actively involved in projects such as manufacturing and selling low-carbon ammonia in Canada, developing ammonia-fueled ships, and creating an international value chain for ammonia fuel.

The MOC with Hive sets the stage for ITOCHU to collaborate on establishing supply chains for green ammonia, capitalizing on South Africa’s competitive resources. The overarching goal is to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society by fostering sustainable energy practices.