Diving deep into green ammonia’s potential to be an alternative in the mission to decarbonize industries, as its use gets promoted globally.
Here’s an article posted in Popular Mechanics that discusses the power of ammonia.
According to the article,
- Green ammonia is a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels
- High energy density of around 3 kWh/litre
- Royal Society’s report is promoting green ammonia use
- Ammonia is still a dangerous chemical, so careful use is advised
- Other challenges:
- High cost
- Environmental impact
- Infrastructure
Lets look at the main advantages of green ammonia that explain why it has the potential to be an alternative to fossil fuels:
- Zero Carbon Emissions: Ammonia can be produced and utilized without generating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. When burned or used in fuel cells, it primarily releases nitrogen and water vapor, making it a carbon-free energy source when produced from renewable energy.
- High Energy Density: As mentioned, ammonia has a significant energy density, approximately three times higher than that of compressed hydrogen and nine times higher than lithium-ion batteries. This makes it suitable for large-scale energy storage and long-distance transportation, especially in maritime and heavy-duty transport sectors.
- Easier Storage and Transportation: Ammonia can be stored at relatively low pressures and moderate temperatures (-33°C), simplifying its handling compared to hydrogen, which requires high pressures or cryogenic conditions. The existing infrastructure for ammonia transport and storage, primarily developed for fertilizers, can be leveraged for energy applications.
- Versatile Applications: Beyond being a fuel, ammonia can be used in various applications, including as a hydrogen carrier, in fuel cells, and in industrial processes.
- Existing Infrastructure: The established infrastructure for ammonia production and distribution allows for a smoother transition to its use as an energy carrier, reducing the need for significant new investments compared to other alternatives like hydrogen.
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