Ammonia as a Climate Solution

Ammonia as a Climate Solution: A Convoluted Solution

Ammonia, commonly known as the key ingredient in fertilizers, is gaining attention as a potential climate solution. With growing concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and the need for sustainable alternatives, researchers and industries are exploring the role of ammonia in addressing carbon emissions. This snippet explores the potential of ammonia as a climate solution, the challenges it faces, and the impact it could have on various sectors.

About Ammonia as a Climate Solution

Ammonia has the potential to be a climate-friendly solution due to its ability to store energy and act as a fertilizer. Green ammonia, produced using renewable energy sources, offers a promising alternative to traditional ammonia production methods that heavily rely on fossil fuels.

The Problem

The production of ammonia using conventional methods contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The Haber Bosch process, which is widely used in ammonia production, relies on fossil fuels and emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). In fact, ammonia production accounts for approximately 1.8% of global CO2 emissions.

‍However, clean ammonia is also still a risk. Incomplete combustion in ammonia production releases nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas with 300 times the warming potential of CO2. Nitrous oxide also increases smog and acid rain levels. Additionally, coal co-firing with ammonia can result in high greenhouse gas emissions, with a 20% co-firing rate emitting 5 times the greenhouse gases needed to reach the International Energy Agency's (IEA) 2030 net-zero scenario.

The Solution:

Green ammonia provides an alternative that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. By producing ammonia using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, the carbon footprint associated with its production can be greatly minimized. If we get it right, it can have a significant impact on decarbonizing various sectors.

Impact on Various Sectors:

1. Shipping Fuel: Maritime shipping accounts for a substantial portion of CO2 emissions. Utilizing ammonia as a fuel in cargo ships can help reduce these emissions, with the goal of running majority ammonia-fueled ships by 2050. However, occupational hazard concerns exist for seafarers who would face prolonged exposure onboard ammonia-powered vessels and already experience dangerous working conditions.

2. Energy Storage: Ammonia's ability to store energy at easily achievable pressures and temperatures makes it suitable for energy storage. Additionally, existing pipeline networks, tanks, tankers, and ships can be repurposed for ammonia transportation.

3. Coal Co-firing: Ammonia can replace a percentage of fossil fuel in coal-fired power plants, reducing their carbon emissions and aiding in the transition towards cleaner energy sources. However, the co-firing process can result in high greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the need for careful management.

4. Direct Use in Turbines: Companies like IHI and GE are retrofitting liquid natural gas power plant turbines to run on ammonia, further expanding its potential as a clean energy source.

5. Hydrogen Cracking: Green ammonia can be "cracked" back into hydrogen, which can be used as clean fuel. Initiatives such as Air Liquide's hydrogen cracking pilot plant demonstrate the potential for converting ammonia to hydrogen.

Examples of Companies Pioneering Green Ammonia

Several companies are leading the way in developing and implementing green ammonia technologies:

1. Amogy: Amogy is a startup specializing in converting ammonia to hydrogen onboard fuel cell-powered vehicles. Their innovative approach showcases the versatility of green ammonia as a clean fuel source.

2. Yara: Yara, a global leader in fertilizers, is actively pursuing the production of clean ammonia using renewable energy. They aim to provide sustainable and low-carbon solutions to meet the increasing demand for ammonia.

3. Monolith: Monolith is focused on developing clean ammonia technologies to enable the decarbonization of industries. Their initiatives highlight the potential of green ammonia in reducing emissions and driving the shift towards a sustainable future.

One-Minute Call to Action

As we strive for a sustainable future, it is crucial to support research and innovation in green ammonia technologies. Governments, industries, and individuals can contribute by investing in cleaner production methods, advocating for policy changes that promote the use of green ammonia, and supporting companies at the forefront of this transition.

To learn more about the potential of ammonia as a climate solution, refer to the CTVC Climate Newsletter.