AFC Energy, a leading provider of alkaline fuel cell technology, and Industrial Chemicals Limited (ICL) have announced the formation of a joint venture aimed at commercializing advanced ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking technology. The strategic partnership, formalized on July 4, 2025, seeks to establish a scalable and efficient solution for on-site green hydrogen generation, primarily targeting industrial applications across Europe and beyond.

The collaboration combines ICL's extensive expertise in chemical processing and large-scale industrial operations with AFC Energy's innovative alkaline fuel cell systems, which can directly utilize the cracked hydrogen. The core of the venture lies in developing and deploying modular ammonia cracker units that efficiently convert readily transportable liquid ammonia (NH3) into high-purity hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2). This process circumvents the significant logistical hurdles and high costs associated with transporting gaseous or liquid hydrogen over long distances, making green hydrogen more accessible for industrial decarbonization efforts.

“This joint venture marks a pivotal moment in our mission to accelerate the global energy transition,” stated Adam Bond, CEO of AFC Energy. “By integrating our fuel cell technology with ICL’s robust chemical processing capabilities, we are creating a compelling value proposition for industries seeking to decarbonize their operations without compromising efficiency or reliability. Ammonia offers a practical and scalable pathway for hydrogen delivery, and our combined solution will enable its widespread adoption.”

Industrial sectors, including steel manufacturing, chemical production, and heavy transport, are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. Green hydrogen, produced via renewable energy, is a critical component of their decarbonization strategies. However, the infrastructure for hydrogen transport and storage remains nascent and expensive. Ammonia, with its higher volumetric hydrogen density and established global shipping infrastructure, presents a viable alternative for bulk hydrogen delivery.

“Our partnership with AFC Energy is a testament to our commitment to sustainable industrial practices,” commented Dr. Elena Petrova, Head of Innovation at ICL. “The ability to produce hydrogen on-demand from ammonia at the point of consumption will be a game-changer for our clients, offering a flexible and economically attractive solution for their clean energy needs. We anticipate significant market uptake, particularly in regions with strong industrial bases and ambitious net-zero targets.”

The initial focus of the joint venture will be on developing pilot projects with key industrial partners, demonstrating the technology’s effectiveness and economic viability. The companies plan to scale up manufacturing of the cracker units, aiming for commercial deployment within the next 18-24 months. This initiative is poised to significantly impact the market for industrial clean fuels, offering a pragmatic bridge to a hydrogen-powered future.