What is Green Ammonia? How Is It Produced?
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Green ammonia is the ammonia produced from a process of electrolysis powered by renewables like solar and wind energy. The green hydrogen produced in the process is combined with nitrogen to produce carbon-free ammonia called green ammonia. It is chemically identical to traditional/conventional ammonia that is currently used worldwide. However, unlike normal ammonia, produced using natural gas and emits around 2 tonnes of CO2, green ammonia emits near-zero CO2 during its production process.
Before understanding green ammonia, it’s important to understand conventional ammonia and there is a need to change the production process to upscale green ammonia production. This article is an attempt to understand green ammonia and its importance in today’s world where achieving net-zero emissions is picking pace among every strata of the population.
Understanding Conventional Ammonia
Ammonia (chemically known as NH3 or NH3) is a compound of Hydrogen and Nitrogen. It is a colorless gas with a distinct pungent odor. It can be liquified at −33.34 °C and normal atmospheric pressure. This is why ammonia is considered a better and stable carrier of liquified hydrogen and an important energy carrier.
Ammonia is one of the most widely produced chemicals in the world (only after sulphuric acid). About 70-80% of ammonia produced worldwide is used in fertilizer production alone. Moreover, It acts as a base chemical for several other nitrogen and hydrogen based chemical derivatives.
Naturally, ammonia is produced in the nitrogen cycle. However, for large-scale applications, ammonia is produced in the Haber–Bosch process. This process is powered by fossil fuels at a range of 400–500°C and 150–300 bar pressure in the presence of an iron (Fe) based catalyst. Hydrogen used in this production method is derived from fossil fuels.
Source: thyssenkrupp Uhde
Due to heavy use of fossil fuels, this process emits high amounts of carbon-based GHG (GreenHouse Gas) equivalent to 1–3% of worldwide emissions. For every 1 ton of ammonia produced in this process, around 2 tonnes of CO2 is emitted.
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What is Green Ammonia?
Green ammonia is ammonia produced by the use of renewable energy. Unlike traditional method, where the hydrogen is sourced from fossil based sources, green ammonia is produced by sourcing hydrogen from electrolysis of water by the use of renewable energy sources.
Source: thyssenkrupp Uhde
The green ammonia production cycle starts with the electrolysis of high-purity water as the raw material for sourcing hydrogen. The water is electrochemically split into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. An alkaline electrolysis cell or electrolyzer plays an important role here.
The separated hydrogen is then chemically combined with nitrogen extracted from air in the ammonia synthesis loop. The process hereafter is similar to the Haber–Bosch process. Since green hydrogen production is pivotal in synthesizing green ammonia, green ammonia is often produced as a derivative in green hydrogen plants.
Green Ammonia vs Conventional Ammonia
| Feature | Green Ammonia | Conventional Ammonia |
| Production Method | Produced using renewable energy sources (e.g., wind, solar, hydro) via electrolysis to generate hydrogen, which is then combined with nitrogen from the air. | Produced using natural gas or other fossil fuels through the Haber-Bosch process, where methane is reformed to produce hydrogen and then combined with nitrogen. |
| Carbon Footprint | Low to zero carbon emissions, making it environmentally friendly and sustainable. | High carbon emissions due to the use of fossil fuels, contributing to environmental pollution and climate change. |
| Raw Materials | Water (for hydrogen) and air (for nitrogen). | Natural gas (methane) and air (for nitrogen). |
| Cost | Generally higher due to the current high costs of renewable energy and advanced technology for production. | Lower due to established and mature production methods and infrastructure using relatively inexpensive fossil fuels. |
| Energy Source | Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro. | Fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, and oil. |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal impact, as it utilizes renewable resources and emits little to no greenhouse gasses. | Significant negative impact due to greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of non-renewable resources. |
| Safety | Requires stringent safety protocols similar to traditional ammonia. Risks are primarily related to handling and storage. | Similar safety concerns, with risks related to handling, storage, and potential environmental contamination from production and use. |
| Infrastructure Development | Emerging and still developing, requiring new investments in renewable energy facilities and electrolysis technology. | Established and widespread, with a long history of use and well-developed infrastructure for production and distribution. |
| Market Adoption | Increasing interest and investment as countries and companies seek sustainable solutions to reduce carbon footprints. | Widely adopted and used globally in various industries, particularly in agriculture as a fertilizer. |
| Applications | Similar applications to traditional ammonia, including fertilizer production, energy storage, and industrial uses, but with a focus on sustainability. | Used primarily in fertilizer production, refrigeration, and various industrial applications. |
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What are the Main Uses of Green Ammonia?
Ammonia Ensures Food Security
Ammonia is a widely used compound with diverse applications. As an essential nitrogen source, it is a key ingredient in agricultural fertilizers, supporting plant growth and crop production. Beyond its agricultural uses, ammonia serves as a raw material in the manufacturing of various chemical products, including nitric acid, synthetic fibers, explosives, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
Ammonia is an ideal hydrogen carrier
Ammonia's unique properties make it an ideal medium for shipping and transporting green hydrogen and renewable energy globally. Compared to hydrogen, ammonia has a higher volumetric energy density, requiring less compression and cooling for efficient transportation.
Given the existing global infrastructure for ammonia trade and transport, as well as established safety protocols, ammonia can play a pivotal role in the distribution of clean energy. Additionally, ammonia has the potential to be used as an emission-free marine fuel. It is ideal fuel for direct combustion turbines.
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