The HOSET PtX facility in Esbjerg, which aims to produce green ammonia from a hydrogen feedstock using a 1GW electrolyser, is expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by around 1.5m tonnes.

DNV says it will be the first industrial site to refer to its new specifications for the safety of PtX facilities and for the assessment, verification and certification of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia.

The Danish company claims the Esbjerg plant will become Europe’s ‘largest’ green ammonia plant, and a balancing and storage tool in Denmark’s future energy infrastructure – providing the flexibility to scale up and down depending on the availability of variable renewable power generation.

David Dupont-Mouritzen, Project Director of HOSET PtX Esbjerg, said, “We are pleased to award this framework agreement to DNV for the independent technical assurance of the HOSET plant.

“DNV brings to the table a solid track record within PtX and the experience of a leading assurance provider to both the traditional and renewables sector.”

Leading up to the awarding of the contract, DNV delivered services to HOSET such as risk appraisals, early concept life cycle assessment on CO2 emissions and price and sustainability impact studies.

The PtX plant,first unveiled in 2021, aims to be operational this year, offering a supply of green hydrogen to ships docked in the municipality’s port, as well as Danish industrial customers.

Read more: Major Danish PtX plant planned to supply excess heat from hydrogen production to heat homes

Ditlev Engel, CEO at DNV, said, “Strategic PtX projects like HOSET PtX Esbjerg are needed on the pathway to Net Zero, and in this case particularly important to support the ambitious Danish target of a 70% reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030.”

Mick Cramer, Head of Customer Relations and Sales at DNV, added, “Hydrogen will make up 15% of the energy mix in Europe by 2050 and green ammonia production will play an important part in the new hydrogen economy.

“DNV specifications provide much-needed guidance to the industry, ensuring safety and reliability by addressing the unique challenges posed by the production of hydrogen and ammonia from renewable sources.”