Green Ammonia: The Key to Decarbonizing Multiple Industries
Ammonia is a chemical compound composed of nitrogen and hydrogen and has the formula NH3. It is a colorless gas with a distinct pungent smell. Ammonia is widely used in the production of fertilizers, refrigerants, pharmaceuticals, plastics, fibers and other industrial chemicals. According to industry estimates, around 180 million tons of ammonia are produced globally every year, making it one of the most abundantly manufactured chemicals.
Traditional Ammonia Production Process
The Haber-Bosch process is the dominant commercial process for producing ammonia on an industrial scale. It involves high-temperature hydrogenation of nitrogen catalyzed by iron. Conventionally ammonia plants use natural gas as the primary hydrogen source for this process. The steam methane reforming of natural gas produces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As a result, traditional ammonia manufacturing accounts for nearly 2% of global CO2 emissions.
Green Ammonia: Produced Using Renewable Energy
Green Ammonia refers to ammonia produced through electrolysis powered entirely by renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydropower. In the electrolysis process, water is split into oxygen and hydrogen using electricity. The hydrogen is then combined with nitrogen from air to produce ammonia without any carbon emissions. As renewable energy production is now cheaper than fossil fuels in many areas, green ammonia is an economically viable solution for decarbonizing industries that currently rely on fossil fuel-based ammonia and hydrogen.
Applications of Green Ammonia
Green ammonia holds great potential to facilitate clean energy adoption across multiple industries:
- Fertilizer Industry: Agriculture is one of the largest end-use sectors for ammonia. Green ammonia can help reduce emissions from conventional nitrogen fertilizer production which relies on fossil fuels.
- Shipping: Ammonia is an ideal zero-carbon fuel that can power large ocean-going vessels. Major shippers are exploring retrofitting ships to run on green ammonia. Bunkering infrastructure will need to be developed.
- Power Generation: Ammonia's hydrogen content allows its use in combustion turbines for power generation sustaining the grid during intermittent renewable energy production. Fuel cells can convert it back to electricity.
- Industrial Feedstock: Many industrial processes like petrochemicals, iron & steel currently use hydrogen derived from natural gas. Green ammonia offers a cleaner alternative to decarbonize such processes.
- Energy Storage: Excess renewable energy can be stored as green ammonia by reversing the electrolysis process. It is easier to transport and store than hydrogen.
- Transportation: Fuel cell vehicles powered by green ammonia have the potential to decarbonize heavy transport sectors like long-haul trucking and rail.
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About Author-
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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