Proton Ventures joins Barents Blue as partner, strengthening development of Europe’s largest clean ammonia plant in Northern Norway.
Barents Blue AS has announced a significant strategic development with the entry of Proton Ventures as a new partner in the Barents Clean Ammonia Project, previously known as the Barents Blue project. This partnership marks an important milestone in the advancement of one of Europe’s most ambitious clean energy initiatives and strengthens the project’s capability to move toward large-scale commercial realization. The collaboration brings together complementary expertise, resources, and long-term vision that are essential for building Europe’s largest clean ammonia production facility in Northern Norway.
Barents Blue AS confirmed that the inclusion of Proton Ventures enhances the project’s industrial depth and technical credibility. Proton Ventures is a Netherlands-based engineering and project development company widely recognized as a pioneer within the global clean ammonia sector. Since its establishment in 2001, the company has played a central role in the planning and development of multiple large-scale ammonia export hubs worldwide. These projects include ammonia terminals, production plants, and integrated export infrastructure, giving the company extensive experience across the ammonia value chain.
To formalize the collaboration, a new project development company named Barents Clean Ammonia AS has been established. Under the ownership structure of this newly formed entity, Barents Blue retains a 75% shareholding, while Proton Ventures holds the remaining 25%. This ownership model reflects both Barents Blue’s role as the original project developer and Proton Ventures’ contribution as a strategic industrial partner with proven execution capabilities.
The partnership aims to accelerate project development and ensure that the Barents Clean Ammonia Project progresses toward a Final Investment Decision (FID) by 2027. With this timeline, the partners expect ammonia production to commence in 2031. Achieving FID within the planned timeframe is a critical step, as it will enable construction activities, secure long-term offtake agreements, and finalize financing arrangements required for a project of this magnitude.
Located in Finnmark, the Barents Clean Ammonia Project is designed to become Europe’s largest clean ammonia production plant. The facility’s first production train is planned to deliver approximately one million tonnes of clean ammonia per year. The plant will be among the most energy-efficient blue ammonia facilities globally, incorporating advanced technology solutions to minimize emissions while maximizing operational efficiency.
A key differentiator of the project is its commitment to achieving a best-in-class carbon footprint. The facility is being developed in full alignment with the European Union’s regulatory framework, including compliance with the EU taxonomy and the Delegated Act for Low-Carbon Hydrogen. This compliance positions the project as a benchmark for sustainable industrial development and strengthens its attractiveness to European and international customers seeking low-carbon energy carriers.
The project has already received strong recognition at the European level. In 2021, the Barents Blue project was awarded a grant of NOK 482 million under the EU IPCEI Hy2Use initiative. This Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) funding acknowledged both the innovative character and the strategic relevance of the Barents Clean Ammonia Project in supporting Europe’s hydrogen and clean energy transition.
By combining Barents Blue’s project vision and regional expertise with Proton Ventures’ deep technical knowledge and global ammonia experience, the partnership significantly strengthens the foundation for delivering a world-scale clean ammonia facility. The collaboration is expected to play a vital role in supporting Europe’s decarbonization goals, enhancing energy security, and enabling the growth of a competitive clean ammonia value chain across the continent.
