Changing with the times

Green ammonia can be used as a building block to produce fertilizers for agricultural use, fuel for engines such as locomotives and shipping, replacing diesel and marine fuel oil, a fuel source for electricity power generation and feedstock for industrial and manufacturing applications, from water purification to pharmaceuticals.

Blue ammonia is produced from hydrocarbons where the CO₂ emitted during production is sequestrated via carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology.

According to the World Economic Forum, given that global ammonia production accounts for 1.3% of energy-related CO₂ emissions, green ammonia could offer significant potential to decarbonise the agricultural sector and could also be used as a clean fuel alternative.

Green ammonia relies on renewable energy and derives its hydrogen from water and its nitrogen from air. This form of ammonia production is typically more expensive but is becoming more affordable, not least as renewable energy prices fall.

Aside from the significant benefit of producing fewer emissions, this process is also not reliant on natural gas in the same way as the production of traditional (also known as ‘grey’) ammonia. This is particularly relevant given that Russia is both a significant producer of ammonia and source of natural gas. Sanctions against Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 have caused fertilizer shortages and prices to skyrocket.

Around 70% of ammonia globally is used for fertilizers, while the rest is used for industrial applications, for instance plastics, explosives, and synthetic fibres. Demand for ammonia is expected to grow significantly over the coming years as the global population expands. There is also growing interest in the potential of green ammonia as a sustainable fuel given its low carbon impact.

"Restoring soil health offers the world its second-largest carbon sink, freshwater retention and stewardship, biodiversity preservation, nutrient-dense foods and resilient livelihoods for farmers everywhere. The innovation must not only be the technology but the way we partner with farmer communities to translate fit-for-purpose solutions, restore soil health and adapt to climate change,” World Economic Forum Head of Food and Water Tania Strauss said.

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Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/special-reports/10092024/changing-with-the-times/