5 February 2026 | Pilots

AMMONEX pilot takes next step towards green hydrogen from ammonia

Duiker Clean Technologies and Plant One have signed a cooperation agreement for the realization of the AMMONEX pilot plant in Rotterdam. With this agreement, the location at Plant One is formally reserved, allowing the project to move into the next phase: the construction and testing of an innovative ammonia cracking reactor for the production of green hydrogen. The plant is expected to be ready for initial testing in the summer of 2027.

The signing took place during an official ceremony at Plant One and marks an important milestone in the development of technology for sustainable hydrogen value chains. Representatives from the Port of Rotterdam and funding organizations, including RVO, the Just Transition Fund, and GroenvermogenNL, were also present.

From innovation to implementation with support from GroenvermogenNL

The AMMONEX project is made possible in part by the DEI+ subsidy from GroenvermogenNL. Within GroenvermogenNL’s pilot program, promising hydrogen innovations are supported in their transition from development to practical application.
By enabling pilots under realistic conditions, the program contributes to risk reduction, accelerated scaling, and the strengthening of the Dutch hydrogen value chain. AMMONEX aligns well with GroenvermogenNL’s goal of connecting research, innovation, and industry to bring new technologies into actual use.

About the AMMONEX pilot

AMMONEX stands for AMMOnia Cracking Reactor for NEXt generation efficiency & flexibility. In this pilot, a new ammonia cracking reactor from Duiker Clean Technologies will be demonstrated, designed to efficiently and robustly convert ammonia into green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is often transported over long distances in the form of liquid ammonia; this technology enables the efficient on-site conversion of that ammonia back into hydrogen.

The reactor stands out due to its long lifespan and the absence of CO₂ emissions. Thanks to Duiker’s Selective Catalytic Oxidation technology, the required heat is supplied in a clean and controlled manner. The pilot integrates supply, conditioning, and the cracking process into one installation.

The demonstration focuses on three core objectives:

Provingreliability, safety, and efficiency as a foundation for scaling up to commercial hydrogen plants.
Demonstratingstable and flexible reactor operation, including automated control and minimal catalyst aging under dynamic load.
Validatingmaterial behavior and reactor models, including effects of nitriding and creep, as well as the accuracy of dynamic models.

Collaboration in the Rotterdam port area

With the signing, the location at Plant One is officially confirmed. Plant One serves as an innovation and demonstration site for new process technologies, while Duiker Clean Technologies is responsible for the development and implementation of the ammonia cracking technology.

The AMMONEX pilot contributes to the ambitions of the Rotterdam region, the Dutch government, and the European Union to reduce CO₂ emissions, decrease dependency on fossil fuels, and develop new sustainable industries.