BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany) has introduced two new grades of renewable ammonia: renewable ammonia and renewable ammonia solution 24.5%, further expanding its sustainable product portfolio. The company produces these new ammonia grades at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen by integrating hydrogen into the ammonia plant, which helps reduce the plant’s natural gas consumption. In March 2024, BASF commissioned a 54-MW PEM electrolyzer system at the Ludwigshafen site to produce hydrogen, marking a key step in its sustainability efforts.

BASF has become the first producer of renewable ammonia in Central Europe at its Ludwigshafen Verbund site

At the Verbund facility, hydrogen is produced from both fossil-based sources and renewable energy-derived sources. By utilizing a mass-balance approach, renewable energy-derived hydrogen is allocated to the new renewable ammonia grades. These grades have received certification under the ISCC+ standard and can be used in the same way as conventional ammonia products, offering a ‘drop-in’ solution. The renewable ammonia grades are available in the usual bulk mode.

BASF’s Vice President of Business Management Ammonia Value Chain and Operations Amino Resins, Dr. Jens Aßmann, stated: “Our biggest goal is net zero of our products. With our renewable ammonia, we can significantly undercut the product carbon footprint (PCF) of our other low-CO2 ammonia grades.” BASF calculates its PCFs based on the Together for Sustainability PCF Guideline.

The demand for low-carbon or "green" ammonia has been steadily increasing in recent years and is expected to continue growing in the future. Dr. Aßmann highlighted the growing market for low-carbon products, saying, “Our customers, as well as BASF’s own downstream businesses, need low-carbon products already today to explore their market.” He also emphasized that BASF is proud to offer the first renewable ammonia produced in Central Europe with a very low PCF, contributing to the broader goal of reducing global carbon emissions.

This move is part of BASF’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of its products. With these renewable ammonia grades, BASF aims to meet the increasing demand for cleaner, more sustainable industrial products and to play a role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.