Heraeus invests in Japanese ammonia startup
Published by Jack Roscoe,
Editorial Assistant
World Fertilizer,
Heraeus has invested in the Japanese startup Tsubame BHB. This strategic decision underscores the commitment of the Heraeus Group to a sustainable and decarbonised future where ammonia will play an even more important role than today.
Tsubame BHB has been developing a new environmentally friendly and efficient technology for decentralised ammonia production, one of the most essential raw materials for the chemical industry. Ammonia is a pivotal building block for fertilizers, many different organic intermediates, plastics, and synthetic fibres. Additionally, ammonia is heavily discussed as future energy carrier in view of a hydrogen economy.
The Tsubame BHB technology is a for Heraeus and complements the company's scouting of sustainable, precious metal-based technologies. The process is based on an electride catalyst and enables energy-saving, and cost-effective ammonia production. This technology meets previously unmet needs in the ammonia market for local or ‘close-to-use’ ammonia production, saving transportation cost and avoiding the risk of supply disruptions. The process is also suited to produce renewable ammonia from low carbon hydrogen and therefore supports the decarbonisation of the ammonia value chain. At the same time, Heraeus is expanding its presence in Japan through the partnership with Tsubame BHB.
“Heraeus has long established itself as a leader in innovation in the field of precious metal-based technologies. The Tsubame BHB technology fits perfectly with the Heraeus scouting criteria and supports our efforts to lead the development of cutting-edge sustainable technologies,” said Dr. Philipp Walter, Executive Vice President Business Line Hydrogen Systems at Heraeus. “The technology complements our already broad range of sustainable solutions and helps to strengthen our position in a market that is increasingly focused on energy efficiency and decarbonization.” “Japan is a market where innovation is born – especially in the area of advanced materials. As a globally leading material technology company, Heraeus sees great potential in a stronger collaboration with Japanese companies, universities, and research institutes. Our investment in Tsubame BHB is a great example how Japanese and German companies can profit and grow together in future markets.” added Hideto Yamauchi, Representative Director, President of Heraeus K.K. in Japan.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/project-news/26022024/heraeus-invests-in-japanese-ammonia-startup/
You might also like
BASF and IPP market ammonia, methanol and melamine plants at Verbund site, Germany
The plants have become available as BASF implements structural measures at its Ludwigshafen site to ensure competitiveness in a changing European market environment as announced in February 2023.