After 16 months of delay, Denmark’s pioneering green ammonia plant in Lemvig has finally started production, marking an important milestone for the country’s Power-to-X ambitions and green fuel transition.
A Long-Awaited Start for the Lemvig Facility
Sixteen months after its grand ribbon-cutting, the green ammonia facility in the village of Ramme, Lemvig Municipality, has gone into operation. The site was initially launched with participation from two government ministers and the local mayor in August 2024. At that time, it was presented as a groundbreaking moment for Denmark’s green energy sector.
The plant, built by Skovgaard Energy, uses renewable energy from solar panels and wind turbines to produce ammonia through a Power-to-X (PtX) process. On December 20, the first tanker truck filled with green ammonia left the site, confirming that production had officially begun.
A Landmark Achievement in Green Technology
According to Skovgaard Energy, the startup of the facility marks a major technological and operational milestone. The plant is what the company calls “dynamic,” meaning its hydrogen and ammonia output changes based on the availability of solar and wind power. This approach helps Denmark make the most efficient use of its renewable energy sources, which already generate a significant portion of the country’s electricity.
The company collaborated with Topsoe and Vestas in the design and development of the facility’s technology. Together, the partners have been working to create scalable solutions for sustainable fuel production that can help reduce the reliance on fossil energy.
Skovgaard Energy expects the plant to produce around 5,000 tons of green ammonia annually once capacity is fully ramped up. However, company managers believe it will take about five to six months before reaching full production.
Power-to-X and the Role of Green Ammonia
Green ammonia plays a key role in Denmark’s transition to climate-neutral energy systems by acting as a zero-carbon fuel alternative for sectors that are difficult to electrify, like shipping and aviation. By converting renewable electricity into ammonia, the energy can be stored and transported more easily, allowing for flexible use across industries.
Interestingly, when the plant was inaugurated a year and a half ago, the total construction cost was estimated at roughly 250 million Danish kroner. That figure excluded the cost of the renewable power sources used to supply the facility, such as the nearby wind turbines and panels.
Even though the exact production price per liter of ammonia is still uncertain, Skovgaard Energy has stated that current output is sold at market price. The company expects to have more precise production cost figures after one year of continuous operation.
Plans for Expansion and New Research
Looking ahead, Skovgaard Energy has applied for permission to expand the Ramme facility. The planned addition would include new units focused on developing and testing engines that run on green ammonia. The company aims to work jointly with the German engineering firm Everllence, formerly MAN Energy Solutions, and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
Lemvig Municipality has given a preliminary green light to prepare a new local plan for expansion. The next steps require environmental approvals, including a screening and permit from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency.
The project has already received 81 million Danish kroner in funding through the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP), part of Denmark’s national strategy for innovation in renewable energy and energy supply.
As it turns out, the successful start of this facility signals a new era in Denmark’s renewable sector, where electricity from wind and sun can now be transformed into climate-neutral fuels. For small towns like Lemvig, this marks not just a technological victory but also an optimistic sign that local innovation can play a major role in the global energy transition.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Vestas Wind Systems – Wind Powered Future
The Danish Dream: Energy & Electricity in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Grøn ammoniakfabrik er endelig i drift – 16 måneder efter indvielsen
