RIYADH: In a move to develop a lower-carbon hydrogen supply chain, Saudi Aramco has partnered with German gas processing firm Linde Engineering to jointly develop an advanced ammonia cracking technology. In this technological process, ammonia is decomposed toward hydrogen and nitrogen over a catalyst. The technology is typically used in applications where hydrogen is needed as either an energy source or to form downstream manufacturing processes. “This agreement is part of our ongoing technology and business development efforts to establish a commercially viable lower-carbon hydrogen supply chain. We believe the advanced ammonia cracking technology we are co-developing with Linde Engineering will play a key role in realizing our objectives,” said Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Aramco. The collaboration will see both companies combining their experience and capabilities in industrial research and development, lower-carbon hydrogen, and ammonia cracking technology to create new commercial opportunities amid a push to achieve decarbonization. Under the deal, Aramco and Linde Engineering will build a demonstration plant in Northern Germany to showcase this new cracking technology. Linde Engineering eyes offering this technology to its current and new customers as the world sails toward a sustainable future, according to a press release. John van der Velden, senior vice president of Global Sales and Technology at Linde Engineering said that “effective ammonia cracking technology could support the world’s need for urgent decarbonization.” By completing the missing link in the export chain, he said cleaner energy can be shipped from regions with high renewable and clean energy potential to those with more limited resources. “We look forward to working closely with Aramco to develop and commercialize this important technology, creating new business opportunities for Linde Engineering and Aramco,” added van der Velden. With 180 hydrogen fueling stations and 80 hydrogen electrolysis plants worldwide, Linde Engineering is one of the global leaders in gas processing, storage, and distribution. Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco earlier this month reported a net profit of SR604.01 billion ($161 billion) for 2022, registering a year-on-year growth of 46.46 percent, driven by higher oil prices, increased volumes sold and improved margins for refined products. The Riyadh-based firm also reported a total comprehensive income of SR622.63 billion in 2022, up 48.15 percent compared to 2021.