Ameer Randolph
Ammonia (NH3) is a compound that is commonly used in agricultural fertilizers and has been for over a hundred years. It is also used in fossil fuel combustion, which is the leading cause of global warming and ocean acidification. The burning of fossil fuels has been linked to most air pollution deaths due to the release of particulates and noxious gases. The large-scale burning of fossil fuels has caused serious environmental damage, and in 2022, over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions were carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels. This has led to a transition towards renewable and sustainable energy sources. Green ammonia is being explored as a possible alternative to fossil fuels, as it is easier to store than pure hydrogen and has a higher energy density.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is NH4+ found in fossil fuels | Yes |
| Is NH3 derived from fossil fuels | Yes |
| Is NH3 pollution caused by fossil fuels | Yes |
| Is NH4+ found in daily life | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Ammonia is derived from fossil fuels
Ammonia is a key compound in the global economy, with about 70% of ammonia used for fertilisers and the remainder used for industrial applications such as plastics, explosives, and synthetic fibres. The world already has a vast system for making, storing, and transporting ammonia, and it is easy to store as a liquid. However, ammonia production currently relies heavily on fossil fuels, with around 40% of energy input consumed as feedstock and the rest consumed as process energy. Just over 70% of ammonia production is via natural gas-based steam reforming, while most of the remainder is via coal gasification. Oil and electricity combined account for just 4% of the sector's energy inputs.
Ammonia production is emissions-intensive, with direct emissions from ammonia production currently amounting to 450 Mt CO2. The production of nitrogen fertilisers also results in nitrous oxide emissions, and the over-application of mineral fertilisers can damage ecosystems. Fossil fuel combustion-related emissions dominate atmospheric ammonia sources during severe haze episodes, and the large-scale burning of fossil fuels causes serious environmental damage. Over 70% of the greenhouse gas emissions due to human activity in 2022 were carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels. Most air pollution deaths are due to fossil fuel particulates and noxious gases, and it is estimated that this costs over 3% of the global gross domestic product.
The traditional, cheap way of making ammonia is to strip hydrogen from natural gas using steam, producing CO2 as a by-product, and then combine that hydrogen with nitrogen from the air at high pressure and high temperatures. However, ammonia can also be produced using renewable energy. For example, Ian Wilkinson at Siemens has described a system that produces clean ammonia from green hydrogen and nitrogen, powered by a wind turbine. Several countries have plans to use green ammonia to store and export their renewable energy surpluses, and ammonia is one of the top contenders for storing and transporting energy from renewable power plants.
The use of ammonia as a fuel shows promise in the context of clean energy transitions. Ammonia-fuelled combustion engines have been around since the 1800s and were briefly popular during World War II when oil shortages were a problem. However, fossil fuels proved to be cheaper and easier to work with. Today, ammonia is still more expensive to produce using electricity than with fossil fuels, but the cost of wind and solar power has dropped drastically in recent years. To get green ammonia going fast enough and big enough, government policies will likely be needed to subsidize green hydrogen and encourage economies of scale.
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Fossil fuel combustion emissions
Fossil fuels are a major source of energy for the world, with 77% of primary energy consumption in 2023 relying on them. However, the burning of fossil fuels has severe environmental and health consequences. Fossil fuel combustion emissions are a leading cause of air pollution and global warming, and contribute significantly to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
In 2022, fossil fuel combustion was responsible for about 74% of total US anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion increased by 8% in 2022 compared to 2020, and this rise was driven by the continued rebound in economic activity after the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions due to human activity in 2022 were carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to direct greenhouse gas emissions, with over 94% of the fuel used for transportation being petroleum-based. This includes gasoline and diesel, which are used for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes.
The industrial sector is the third-largest source of direct emissions, with fossil fuels being burned for energy and certain chemical reactions necessary for producing goods. Commercial and residential buildings also contribute to emissions by burning fossil fuels for heat and using gases for refrigeration and cooling. In addition, electricity production is a major emitter, with 60% of electricity in the US coming from burning fossil fuels, mainly coal and natural gas.
The health impacts of fossil fuel combustion emissions are significant, with most air pollution deaths attributed to fossil fuel particulates and noxious gases. It is estimated that this costs over 3% of the global gross domestic product, and transitioning away from fossil fuels will save millions of lives annually.
To address these issues, there is a growing movement towards renewable and sustainable energy sources. Green ammonia has been proposed as an alternative to fossil fuel storage, as it has high energy density and does not emit carbon during use. Electrification is another popular strategy, but it faces challenges in sectors such as industry, transport, and heat, which have yet to make significant progress in decarbonization. International policies, such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement, aim to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigate the worst effects of climate change.
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Fossil fuel-based emissions cause haze
Fossil fuels are the primary source of energy consumption worldwide, and their large-scale burning has severe environmental and health consequences. The combustion of fossil fuels releases harmful pollutants, including particulate matter and noxious gases, which are major contributors to air pollution and haze formation.
Haze is a form of visible air pollution, primarily caused by nitrogen and sulfur oxides. Fossil fuel combustion, particularly at power plants, is the leading source of sulfur dioxide emissions, which react with oxygen to form particulate matter known as sulfate aerosols. These aerosols are a significant component of haze and contribute to reduced visibility and air quality.
In urban areas, fossil fuel-based emissions of ammonia (NH3) are of particular concern. During haze episodes, NH3 reacts with abundant acidic compounds (HNO3 and H2SO4) to form fine particles, leading to severe haze pollution. This process was observed in Beijing, China, where the δ15N values of NH4+ in fine particles were found to vary with the development of haze episodes, indicating the influence of fossil fuel-based emissions.
Additionally, the combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur, such as coal, liquid fuels, and natural gas, releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. This pollutant is a precursor to acid rain and is commonly found in haze particulates. Fast urbanization and economic expansion, driven by the increased use of fossil fuels, have further exacerbated the problem by increasing emissions of both ambient air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
The health impacts of exposure to haze and its associated pollutants have been well-documented. Pollutional haze carries harmful substances such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, which have detrimental effects on pulmonary function and overall health. The economic impact of fossil fuel-related air pollution is also significant, with estimates suggesting that it costs over 3% of the global gross domestic product.
To address these issues, there is a growing focus on transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable energy sources. Strategies such as electrification and the adoption of green ammonia for energy storage offer potential solutions to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the formation of haze caused by fossil fuel combustion.
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Green ammonia can replace fossil fuels
The use of fossil fuels has been a major contributor to global warming and air pollution, with over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 attributed to the burning of fossil fuels. The transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources is imperative to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Green ammonia, produced without fossil fuels, offers a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions and can replace fossil fuels in various sectors.
Ammonia has been used as a fertilizer for crops for years, typically produced through the Haber-Bosch process, which uses fossil fuels to provide hydrogen and energy. This conventional method, known as "brown ammonia," results in large volumes of emissions, with each tonne of ammonia releasing about two tonnes of greenhouse gases. However, green ammonia is produced using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, resulting in a carbon-free production process.
Green ammonia has the potential to replace fossil fuels in the energy and transportation sectors. It can be used as a clean fuel alternative, particularly in the shipping industry, which is responsible for 3% of global emissions. Green ammonia can also support the storage and transport of renewable energy, enhancing grid stability. Additionally, it can be used as a hydrogen carrier, providing a long-term solution for storing and transporting energy from renewable sources.
While green ammonia production is still in its early stages and faces challenges such as storage and distribution, it offers significant advantages over fossil fuels. It is easier and cheaper to store and transport than hydrogen, and its infrastructure and distribution networks are already well-established globally. Additionally, advances in technology are driving down production costs, making green ammonia increasingly competitive.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Green ammonia production may result in a rise in pollutant emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which must be addressed. Additionally, ammonia is toxic, and burning it can produce a potent greenhouse gas. Engines will need to be reconfigured to run on green ammonia, and the production systems will need to be altered or reinvented. Despite these challenges, green ammonia shows potential in replacing fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future.
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Fossil fuel emissions and NH3 slip
Fossil fuels are the primary energy source for the world, providing over 60% of its electricity supply. They are, however, a non-renewable resource and their large-scale burning causes serious environmental damage. Fossil fuel combustion is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions, with carbon dioxide (CO2) being the most prevalent. In 2022, over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions due to human activity were CO2 released from burning fossil fuels.
Ammonia (NH3) is also a fuel that can be used to power vehicles and is considered a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. However, burning ammonia for fuel can worsen air quality and lead to public health issues. Ammonia combustion generates nitrous oxide (N2O), a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which, along with unburnt ammonia, contribute to fine particulate matter in the atmosphere.
The production of ammonia is emissions-intensive and currently relies heavily on fossil fuels. Almost 80% of ammonia production is via natural gas-based steam reforming or coal gasification, with oil and electricity accounting for just 4% of energy inputs. China, the largest producer of ammonia, derives 85% of its production from coal.
While ammonia is considered a sustainable fuel, its production is closely tied to fossil fuels. Additionally, burning ammonia for fuel can lead to air quality issues and health problems. Thus, it is important to consider the environmental and health impacts of using ammonia as a fuel, and to strengthen emissions regulations to mitigate these impacts.
In the context of NH3 slip, it is important to note that NH3 is emitted as "fuel NH3" from electrical generating units (EGUs) and as "NH3 slip" from EGUs equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) technologies. During haze pollution periods, such as in urban Beijing, fossil fuel emissions and NH3 slip from power plants are more significant contributors to atmospheric NH3 than agricultural sources. On hazy days, the δ15N-NH3 value falls within the range for vehicle exhaust and power plant slip sources, indicating that fossil fuel combustion and NH3 slip are major sources of atmospheric NH3 during these periods.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, NH4, or ammonium, can come from fossil fuels. Fossil fuel combustion-related emissions are a significant source of atmospheric NH4 during severe haze episodes.
NH4 forms from the conversion of ammonia (NH3) through the addition of a hydrogen atom. This reaction typically occurs in the presence of water, where the nitrogen in NH3 holds onto its hydrogen atoms more strongly than oxygen, resulting in the formation of NH4+.
NH3 related to fossil fuels can come from two main sources: power plants and vehicles. NH3 is emitted as "fuel NH3" from electrical generating units (EGUs), and vehicles equipped with three-way catalytic converters can also be a significant source.
Yes, there are significant environmental concerns. Fossil fuel combustion releases harmful pollutants, including NH4, contributing to haze formation and air pollution. Additionally, the production of NH3 from fossil fuels, such as natural gas, releases carbon dioxide (CO2) as a by-product, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Yes, there is a growing focus on producing "green" NH3, or ammonia, from non-fossil fuel sources. This involves using renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines, to produce NH3 without relying on fossil fuels. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions and provide a cleaner alternative for energy storage and transportation.
