Creo Collective Group

Green ammonia is ammonia (NH₃) produced using entirely renewable energy, with its defining feature being a near-zero carbon footprint across its lifecycle. It is synthesized via the conventional Haber-Bosch process, but the critical difference lies in its feedstocks: the hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity (like solar or wind), and the nitrogen is separated from air using similar renewable power. This contrasts starkly with traditional "grey" ammonia production, which derives its hydrogen from fossil fuels (typically natural gas via steam methane reforming), a process responsible for nearly 2% of global CO₂ emissions. Green ammonia, therefore, serves as both a carbon-free chemical and a promising energy carrier, capable of storing and transporting renewable energy.

The potential applications for green ammonia are transformative for hard-to-decarbonize sectors. Its primary traditional use is as a fertilizer precursor (for urea and ammonium nitrate), offering a path to decarbonize global food production. Its emerging role is as a zero-carbon fuel. It can be burned directly in thermal power plants or in specialized marine engines to replace heavy fuel oil, significantly reducing shipping emissions. It is also a leading candidate as a hydrogen carrier, as it is easier to liquefy and transport than pure hydrogen, and can later be "cracked" back into hydrogen gas at its destination. While challenges remain regarding the high capital costs of electrolyzers, the optimization of large-scale production, and the development of safe handling protocols for its wider use as a fuel, green ammonia is widely seen as a cornerstone molecule for a sustainable future in energy, agriculture, and industry.