Barents Blue has announced a major partnership with Dutch engineering and project development leader Proton Ventures for the Barents Clean Ammonia Project (formerly Barents Blue). The collaboration aims to propel Europe’s largest clean ammonia production plant toward full-scale operations in Finnmark, Northern Norway.

 

Proton Ventures, established in 2001, is a recognized pioneer in the clean ammonia industry and has developed several large-scale ammonia export hubs, including terminals and production facilities. The company will bring “significant resources and industry expertise to the project and the value chain for clean ammonia,” Barents Blue said.

 

A new project development company, Barents Clean Ammonia AS, has been formed, with Barents Blue holding 75% and Proton Ventures owning the remaining 25% of shares. The partnership is set to push the project toward a Final Investment Decision in 2027, with production slated to begin in 2031.

 

The Barents Clean Ammonia project is poised to be among the world’s most energy-efficient blue ammonia plants. The first production train is expected to produce 1 million tonnes of clean ammonia annually, featuring a “best-in-class carbon footprint” and full compliance with the EU taxonomy and the Delegated Act for Low-carbon Hydrogen.

 

The project’s innovation has already drawn recognition. In 2021, it received a NOK 482 million grant under the EU IPCEI hydrogen program, Hy2Use, highlighting its substantial potential.