Sylvie Willis
Ammonia fuel cells are an emerging technology that could play a significant role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. With the ability to capture, store, and transport hydrogen for use in emission-free fuel cells, ammonia is being prepared for a second life as a fuel. The development of green ammonia, produced using renewable energy sources, is particularly promising as it offers a pathway to decarbonize applications that currently rely on fossil fuels. However, establishing an ammonia fuel industry comes with challenges, including the cost of production, which is estimated to be two to four times higher for green ammonia than for conventional ammonia. This paragraph introduces the topic of ammonia fuel cell prices and provides context on the potential and obstacles of adopting ammonia as a fuel source.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ammonia fuel cell price | The price is not readily available but ammonia is a less expensive fuel option compared to diesel. |
| Ammonia fuel cell characteristics | Ammonia (NH3) is an excellent source of hydrogen in its liquid form, containing twice as much hydrogen as liquid hydrogen by volume. |
| Ammonia fuel cell applications | Ammonia fuel cells can be used in telecoms, schools, water purification, vehicle and marine applications. |
| Ammonia fuel cell advantages | Ammonia is a readily available liquid fuel with a developed transportation and logistical infrastructure. It is safer than propane and as safe as gasoline. It is also cheaper, does not pollute the environment and is less likely to be stolen and resold. |
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What You'll Learn
- Green ammonia is currently more expensive to produce than conventional ammonia
- However, green ammonia is expected to become more competitive as renewable energy costs decrease
- By 2050, green ammonia is predicted to cost $310 per tonne
- Ammonia fuel cells are cost-competitive with diesel generators, offering lower fuel and operating costs
- Green ammonia is gaining commercial and policy attention due to its role in decarbonising various sectors
Green ammonia is currently more expensive to produce than conventional ammonia
Green ammonia is produced using renewable energy-powered electrolysis, which has the potential for net-zero emissions with no direct carbon dioxide emissions. However, it is more expensive to produce than conventional ammonia due to the high costs associated with renewable energy and electrolyzers. The production of green ammonia is energy-intensive, requiring approximately 36 GJ of electrical power per ton.
The cost of producing green ammonia is estimated to be two to four times higher than that of conventional ammonia. For example, CF Industries, a company working on a green ammonia project, estimates that green ammonia will cost about $500 per metric ton to produce, compared to $150-$250 per metric ton for conventional ammonia. This is because conventional ammonia is produced through the energy and emission-intensive Haber-Bosch process, which utilizes synthesis gas (hydrogen and nitrogen).
The higher cost of green ammonia is a significant challenge for its widespread adoption as a sustainable fuel and energy carrier. However, it is important to note that the marketplace for alternative energy is potentially huge, and green ammonia has advantages over other alternative fuels. For instance, ammonia has a higher energy density than liquid hydrogen, and it can be stored at a much less energy-intensive temperature of -33°C, compared to -253°C for liquid hydrogen.
Additionally, blue ammonia, which is produced using carbon capture technology, can serve as a bridge towards fully sustainable green ammonia production. Blue ammonia is more economically viable than green ammonia and can be produced using much of the existing infrastructure for brown and grey ammonia. This makes blue ammonia a more achievable short-term goal in the transition to more sustainable ammonia production.
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However, green ammonia is expected to become more competitive as renewable energy costs decrease
Ammonia (NH3) is a colourless, pungent gas that is an excellent source of hydrogen in its liquid form. It has a higher energy density than liquid hydrogen, and it can be stored at room temperature, making it safer and more convenient. Ammonia is already widely used in various industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and beauty products, and it has a well-established supply chain and regulatory framework.
Ammonia has emerged as a promising alternative fuel, particularly for vehicles, marine applications, and power generation. Its low saturated vapour pressure, high hydrogen content, low transportation and storage costs, and carbon-free emissions make it an attractive option for fuel cell systems. The development of cost-efficient ammonia-fuelled fuel cell systems, such as the indirect ammonia PEMFC (IA-PEMFC) system, has further enhanced the viability of ammonia as a fuel source.
However, establishing an ammonia fuel industry comes with certain challenges. Green ammonia, produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is more expensive to manufacture than conventional ammonia, which is typically derived from natural gas. The technologies required to utilize ammonia, such as ammonia-burning engines, are also still in the experimental stage.
Despite these obstacles, green ammonia is expected to become more competitive as renewable energy costs decrease. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind power become more affordable and accessible, the production costs of green ammonia will decrease, making it a more economically viable option. Additionally, the superior characteristics of ammonia as a fuel, including its high energy density and ease of storage, coupled with the existing infrastructure for ammonia production and distribution, further strengthen its potential as a competitive fuel source in the future.
Moreover, initiatives to combust ammonia directly in power plants and ship engines, as well as investments in carbon capture and storage technologies, reinforce the prospects of ammonia as a sustainable fuel alternative. The ability of ammonia to capture, store, and ship hydrogen for use in emission-free fuel cells and turbines further underscores its potential in addressing climate change and transitioning to a hydrogen economy.
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By 2050, green ammonia is predicted to cost $310 per tonne
Ammonia (NH3) is a chemical compound commonly used in various industrial and commercial applications. It has a low boiling point and good thermal properties, making it useful as a refrigerant in industrial refrigeration systems and in the production of refrigerators and air conditioners. Ammonia is also used in agriculture as a fertilizer, as well as in the production of other fertilizers such as urea and ammonium nitrate. Additionally, it serves as a raw material for manufacturing chemicals, plastics, explosives, dyes, and electronics components.
The global ammonia market is expected to experience significant growth due to increasing demand across various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, and energy. In 2020, the top exporters of ammonia were Saudi Arabia, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, Indonesia, and Canada, while the top importers were India, the United States, South Korea, Morocco, and Brazil. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to dominate the global ammonia market due to rising demand and the availability of low-cost feedstock.
Ammonia has gained attention as a potential energy source and energy carrier, particularly in the maritime sector. The industry is exploring its use to help meet CO2 reduction targets proposed by 2030 and 2050. Additionally, ammonia is being considered as a means to store renewable energy and facilitate hydrogen transportation. The interest in ammonia as a marine fuel extends beyond its environmental benefits, as its zero-carbon and sulphur properties make it an attractive alternative to conventional marine fuels.
While conventional ammonia production methods exist, there is a growing focus on green ammonia, which is more expensive to produce. In 2024, it was estimated that the production cost of green ammonia was more than $650 per ton, roughly double the market price of conventional ammonia. However, with anticipated advancements and efficiency gains, it is predicted that the cost of green ammonia will decrease significantly over time. By 2050, green ammonia is expected to become highly cost-competitive, with estimates placing the price at $310 per tonne. This projected price makes green ammonia a promising and economically viable option for the future, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape.
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Ammonia fuel cells are cost-competitive with diesel generators, offering lower fuel and operating costs
Ammonia fuel cells are an efficient and cost-effective alternative to diesel generators. They offer a range of benefits, including lower fuel and operating costs, making them a competitive option for power generation.
Ammonia fuel cells, such as the GenCell A5, provide clean fuel cell power at a lower cost than diesel generators. The GenCell A5, for example, offers power at just $0.50 per 1kWh. In comparison, diesel generators have high fueling and maintenance costs, requiring monthly attention at each tower. In contrast, a single 12-ton tank of ammonia can fuel the GenCell A5 for a year of continuous use. This significantly reduces the frequency and expense of onsite engineer visits, making ammonia fuel cells a more cost-effective option.
Ammonia is an attractive option due to its high hydrogen content, making it an efficient energy carrier and a potential replacement for traditional fossil fuels. It also offers advantages in production, storage, and transportation. Ammonia has a low saturated vapor pressure at room temperature, low transportation and storage costs, and carbon-free emissions. These factors contribute to the overall cost-effectiveness of ammonia fuel cells.
Furthermore, ammonia fuel cells address the challenges associated with hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells have struggled with mainstream adoption due to the lack of infrastructure for distributing hydrogen. By creating hydrogen from ammonia, ammonia fuel cells eliminate the need for costly hydrogen infrastructure. This makes ammonia fuel cells a more reliable and cost-efficient solution.
The use of ammonia fuel cells also contributes to sustainability goals. They offer unlimited run-time, simple annual maintenance, and zero emissions. This makes them an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel generators, supporting initiatives for universal connectivity, clean energy, and sustainable development.
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Green ammonia is gaining commercial and policy attention due to its role in decarbonising various sectors
In the agricultural sector, green ammonia is crucial for fertilizer production, boosting agricultural output. It also finds applications in chemical manufacturing, solvents, and fertilizers, contributing to economic growth. Industries are increasingly adopting green pathways to reduce their carbon footprints, exploring methods using green hydrogen and CO2 by-products.
Green ammonia is particularly significant in the transportation sector, where it can be used in heavy goods vehicles, trains, aviation, and shipping. CO2 emissions from this sector were around 7.2 gigatonnes in 2020, and there is a target to reduce these emissions by 20% by 2030 to meet net-zero emission goals by 2050. Additionally, research is being conducted to retrofit marine engines, internal combustion engines, and gas turbines to run on green ammonia, further reducing emissions in the transportation industry.
The power sector can also benefit from green ammonia by replacing fossil fuels in thermal power plants for electricity production. Green ammonia's versatility extends to its use in distributed power systems, vehicles, and marine applications through its integration with proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC).
While green ammonia holds great potential, challenges remain. There is a need for innovation to achieve efficient and cost-effective production methods. Additionally, while green ammonia can replace fossil fuels at scale, it may lead to increased pollutant emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which must be addressed. Nevertheless, with the right technological advancements and policy support, green ammonia is poised to play a pivotal role in global decarbonisation efforts.
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Frequently asked questions
The price of ammonia fuel varies depending on the type of ammonia being produced. The cost of green ammonia, for example, is estimated to be two to four times that of conventional ammonia. The price of ammonia is also influenced by the price of natural gas, as it is primarily produced from this feedstock.
Ammonia fuel is significantly less expensive than diesel fuel.
The price of ammonia fuel could be impacted by the development and commercialisation of ammonia-burning engines and other technologies required to harness ammonia molecules. Additionally, the price of natural gas, which is used as a feedstock in ammonia production, could also influence future ammonia fuel prices.
