Hydrogen Tech World December 2024 | Page 47

[ green ammonia ]
Green hydrogen to green ammonia
Green hydrogen , sourced from renewable electricity via electrolysis , is a clean fuel but presents challenges in terms of storage and transportation due to its low energy density and explosive nature . A widely considered alternative in the industry is green ammonia , which is produced by combining green hydrogen with nitrogen from the air . The key benefit of ammonia is that it is easier to store and transport , with a higher energy density compared to hydrogen . For instance , ammonia can be stored at −33 ° C or under moderate pressure , making it more cost-effective for long-term storage than hydrogen , which requires extremely high pressures or cryogenic temperatures .
The global infrastructure for ammonia storage , shipping , and application has been extensively developed over the past century , making ammonia a widely accepted and practical solution for largescale deployment . fluctuating supply of renewable electricity . Given the current state of the industry – particularly the limited supply of electrolyzers and the limited availability and the higher costs associated with renewable electricity – small-scale green ammonia plants are emerging as optimal solutions .
In contrast to traditional fossil-fuel-powered ammonia production , the economy of scale plays a less significant role for green ammonia . Therefore , modular and scalable production offers a promising pathway for early adopters to meet their decarbonization goals .
Green ammonia process
Stamicarbon ’ s technology stands out by enabling ammonia production from renewable energy with minimal environmental impact . NX STAMI Green Ammonia™ technology has been designed to create the most effective layout for small to medium-sized plants relying on green feedstock , with capacities ranging between 50 – 500 MTPD .
The ammonia production process , known as the Haber-Bosch process , was invented in 1913 and is a well-established technology . With certain modifications , this process can be adapted to produce green ammonia , effectively managing the
This technology employs a high-pressure ammonia synthesis loop operating at around 300 bar , enhancing conversion efficiency while reducing the need for expensive refrigeration systems . The process flow , as shown in Figure 1 ,
Fig . 1 . NX STAMI Green Ammonia process diagram
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 19 | December 2024 47