Japan Receives First Shipment of Low-Emission Ammonia from Saudi Arabia

Japan received its first shipment of low-emission ammonia from Saudi Arabia today, Friday, planning to use it for co-firing alongside fossil fuels to reduce carbon emissions, according to a statement from the four companies involved in the transaction. The companies stated that "the ammonia shipped to Fuji Oil today was produced by SABIC Agri-Nutrients, using feedstock supplied by Aramco, and the shipment was delivered by Mitsui OSK Lines." The statement did not disclose the quantity or value of the shipment, but mentioned that "the ammonia, considered low-emission because the carbon dioxide emitted during its production was previously captured and utilized in refining and processing applications, was transported to Fuji Oil's Sodegaura refinery for co-firing in power generation." Japan aims to increase its ammonia fuel demand to three million tons annually by 2030, up from nearly zero currently. Lacking energy resources, Japan seeks to add hydrogen and ammonia to its energy mix, a move criticized by climate activists as costly and not fully effective. Japan has agreed with several countries to study hydrogen and ammonia supply chains.