If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent some time pondering the future of energy. It’s no secret that our reliance on fossil fuels is a problem. Climate change, pollution, geopolitical tensions — the list goes on. It’s high time we turned our attention to more sustainable and cleaner options, don’t you think?
That’s where green ammonia and hydrogen step into the limelight. These aren’t just elements you vaguely remember from your high school chemistry class; they are serious contenders in the race to find sustainable energy solutions. The global green ammonia market is predicted to go from USD 0.3 billion in 2023 to USD 17.9 billion by 2030. Hydrogen is set to have a global market worth USD 410 billion by 2030.
This blog will explore, at a very high level, the emerging world of green ammonia and hydrogen, which goes beyond the traditional realm of fossil fuels. I aim to take you on a journey to discover the enormous potential of these fuels in helping us move towards a cleaner, greener, more balanced and harmonious future.
Let’s embark on an exciting journey into the future of fuels, filled with discoveries, insights, and a glimpse into a future powered by ammonia and hydrogen. Buckle up, and let’s dive in!
Before continuing on our journey of discovery, I want to clarify that this blog is discussing green ammonia, not the more traditional form. The latter is produced through a process known as Haber-Bosch, using natural gas to produce hydrogen, which is then combined with nitrogen.
The creation of green ammonia starts with splitting hydrogen from water. A process known as electrolysis. To ensure no CO2 emissions are created, renewable energy such as wind or solar power must be used. The hydrogen is then combined with nitrogen, often extracted from the air, to generate ammonia (NH3), a process known as ammonia synthesis. Note there are other methods for producing green ammonia, but we are just looking at this example.
Electrolysis involves adding two conductive electrodes to water and passing an electric current through it. Water molecules are oxidized at the point of contact with the positive electrode. Hydrogen is produced at the reduction of the water molecules on the negative cathode. At this point, green hydrogen can be used as a clean, sustainable fuel.
Nitrogen is commercially extracted from the atmosphere by a process known as nitrogen fixation. There are various methods to achieve extraction, but these are outside the scope of this blog article.
After ammonia synthesis, the resulting ammonia gas is separated and purified to remove impurities, unreacted gases, and byproducts. This purification process ensures the production of high-purity green ammonia.
The purified green ammonia can then be stored and transported to various end-use applications, such as fuel, chemical-process feedstock, or energy storage.
In my upcoming blog, I will continue exploring the potential of green ammonia and hydrogen in reducing our reliance on carbon fuels. The article will explore real-world examples of these technologies being commercially applied and their role in a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. Please visit my website regularly for new essays on the latest technologies driving us towards a better future.
