Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  October 25, 2022

Aurubis Testing Blue Ammonia As Fuel Source

Mining company Aurubis announced a test series for the use of blue ammonia in copper rod production as it aims for climate neutrality. 

The pilot project was put into operation at the Hamburg site.

“We want our production to be climate-neutral well before 2050. Ammonia can be an important component of the hydrogen supply chain to achieve this goal,” said Aurubis CEO Roland Harings in a statement.

 The multi-metal company already operates an efficient and sustainable smelter network. 

 “This pilot project highlights the pioneering role we play in the decarbonization of our industry. It demonstrates that the creation of a blue – and in the future, green – ammonia value chain between Germany and the United Arab Emirates is not just theoretically possible, but practically feasible,” he said. 

During the eight-week test series, low-emission ammonia will partially replace fossil natural gas in the rod plant. If the pilot project is successful, up to 4,000 tons of CO2 per year could be saved in the Aurubis plant in Hamburg alone.