[ software demonstration ]
Green ammonia production in Patagonia : a pre-feasibility study
This article presents the results of a pre-feasibility study conducted using the Southern Lights software for a green ammonia plant . It demonstrates how the established workflow for evaluating the feasibility of renewable energy projects can be effectively applied to green hydrogen and ammonia projects when equipped with the right tools .
By Felipe Gallardo , CEO and co-founder ; and José Cáceres , Hydrogen Studies Engineer , Southern Lights
Southern Lights facilitates and increases accuracy in the design , simulation , and optimization of Power-to-X projects , making the assessment process straightforward . This green ammonia production project is hypothetical and is based on practical assumptions to ensure comprehensive coverage of the main steps involved in conducting a pre-feasibility study using the Southern Lights software .
Project overview
In the southernmost part of South America , at the tip of Patagonia , the Magallanes region of Chile offers a unique opportunity for sustainable energy projects due to its exceptional wind resources . This study explores the feasibility of establishing a green ammonia production plant in this region .
The primary goal of this project is to develop and finance a green ammonia production plant powered by hydrogen produced from wind energy . This green ammonia is crucial for decarbonizing the fertilizer industry and supporting emerging energy applications , with significant markets in Europe and Asia .
In this hypothetical study , a development opportunity has been identified by the origination team of an energy development company , to produce an average of 340 tons of ammonia per day , equivalent to 124,100 tons for export per year . The team has selected a site in the Magallanes region , which is advantageous due to its abundant wind resources and strategic proximity to the Strait of Magellan , a vital maritime route connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans , further enhancing the project ’ s appeal for international exports .
To assess this project , a preliminary conceptual design was developed using the Southern Lights software . The design included :
• A Haber-Bosch plant capable of producing 400 tons of NH 3 per day
• An electrolyzer plant with a capacity of 400 MW
• A hydrogen storage system with a capacity for 108 tons of compressed H 2
• An onshore wind plant with a capacity of 434 MW
Hydrogen bus
Wind Farm , 80mts Electrolyzer Compressor Storage
Ammonia production
Sales 1
Surplus Sales
Fig . 1 . Renewable ammonia production diagram
32 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 19 | December 2024