RWE, a Germany energy supplier, and VTG signed a Memorandum of Understanding to use rail services for the transport of ammonia from the Brunsbüttel terminal. Under the agreement, VTG will deliver the ammonia by tank wagon to customers in Germany and neighbouring countries.
RWE and VTG will jointly develop a logistics concept for supplying customers. This will include exploring delivery routes and determining the necessary filling and transport capacities. Rail transport is advantageous for industrial customers, as no connection to a pipeline or inland port is required. The delivery of ammonia by tank wagon has been an established method for years.
“Green ammonia is key in the energy transition because it can be used to decarbonise many industrial processes. In the future, Germany will import large quantities of ammonia, for example via the terminal planned by RWE in Brunsbüttel. From there, the molecules will be distributed directly to industrial customers. VTG has many years of experience in transporting ammonia by tank wagon. That’s why RWE and VTG are also jointly looking at distribution by rail,” Ulf Kerstin, CCO of RWE Supply & Trading, said.
To achieve the climate goals, demand for green molecules will increase strongly in the future. To meet the demands of industrial decarbonisation, Germany will need access to green molecules from other parts of the world in addition to its own hydrogen production. RWE is striving to develop a globally diversified portfolio of projects and offtake agreements for hydrogen and its derivatives, such as ammonia. In this context, RWE is also planning a green import terminal for ammonia in Brunsbüttel. From 2026, around 300,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year are to be landed here.
“In addition to its great importance as a basic material for industry, ammonia will also play an important role in securing energy supplies in the coming decades. It is part of VTG’s New Energies strategy, which aims to provide our customers with the best possible support in the transformation towards sustainable industrial processes. Together with RWE, we want to show that large quantities of ammonia can already be supplied by rail in the short term in a low-emission and competitive manner,” Sven Wellbrock, Chief Operating Officer Europe of VTG said.
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