Green Ammonia

Green ammonia refers to ammonia that is produced using renewable energy sources,
such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, instead of fossil fuels. It is
considered a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional
ammonia production methods, which rely on natural gas as a feedstock.
The production of green ammonia involves a process called electrolysis, which uses
electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen produced through
electrolysis is then combined with nitrogen from the air to form ammonia (NH3).
Since renewable energy sources are used to power the electrolysis process, the
resulting ammonia is considered "green" or "carbon-neutral" because it does not
contribute to greenhouse gas emissions during production.
Green ammonia is currently being used for a range of applications, although its
adoption is still in the early stages. Some of the current uses of green ammonia
include:
1. Research and Development: Green ammonia is actively being researched and
developed as a sustainable alternative to conventional ammonia production. Numerous
pilot projects and demonstrations are underway to test the feasibility and
scalability of green ammonia technologies.

2. Fertilizer Production: Green ammonia is used in the production of nitrogen-

based fertilizers. It can serve as a sustainable and low-carbon alternative to
conventional ammonia, reducing the environmental impact associated with
agricultural practices.

3. Energy Storage and Power Generation: Green ammonia is utilized as a means of

storing and transporting renewable energy. Excess electricity generated from
renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, can be used to produce green
ammonia through electrolysis. The stored green ammonia can later be used as a fuel
for power generation, especially during peak demand periods.

4. Hydrogen Carrier: Green ammonia can be used as a carrier of hydrogen for

various applications. It can be cracked to release pure hydrogen, which can then be
used in fuel cells, hydrogen fueling stations, or other hydrogen-powered
technologies.

5. Maritime Industry: Green ammonia is being explored as a potential carbon-

neutral fuel for the maritime sector. Ammonia-powered ships can help reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable shipping
operations.

6. Chemical Industry: Green ammonia can serve as a sustainable feedstock for the
production of various chemicals, including fertilizers, cleaning agents, plastics,
and synthetic fibers. It can be utilized as a greener alternative to conventional
ammonia derived from fossil fuels.
While these are some of the current applications of green ammonia, it's important
to note that its use is still evolving. As technology advances, costs decrease, and
infrastructure develops, we can expect to see wider use of green ammonia across
these and potentially new applications in the future.

Green ammonia offers several benefits that contribute to a more sustainable and
low-carbon future. Here are some of the key benefits of green ammonia:
1. Reduced Carbon Emissions: Green ammonia production eliminates or
significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional ammonia
production, which relies on fossil fuels. By utilizing renewable energy sources for
electrolysis, green ammonia helps reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse
gas emissions, mitigating climate change impacts.
2. Renewable Energy Integration: Green ammonia acts as a valuable medium for
storing and transporting renewable energy. It provides a means to capture excess
renewable electricity generated from sources like wind and solar power and convert
it into a storable form. This enables renewable energy integration into various
sectors, including power generation, transportation, and industrial applications.

3. Energy Security: Green ammonia helps enhance energy security by diversifying

energy sources. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels for ammonia production and
creates opportunities for utilizing abundant renewable resources. This reduces
dependence on fossil fuel imports and enhances energy independence for countries.

4. Sustainable Agriculture: Green ammonia can be used as a sustainable

alternative in fertilizer production. By replacing conventional ammonia, which is
typically derived from natural gas, with green ammonia, agricultural practices
become more environmentally friendly. It reduces the carbon footprint associated
with fertilizer use, promoting sustainable and climate-smart agricultural
practices.

5. Clean Shipping and Maritime Applications: Ammonia has emerged as a potential

low-carbon fuel for the maritime industry. Green ammonia-powered ships can
significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sulfur oxide (SOx), and nitrogen
oxide (NOx) emissions, leading to cleaner and more sustainable shipping operations.
It offers a pathway for the decarbonization of maritime transportation.

6. Hydrogen Carrier and Fuel: Ammonia has a high hydrogen content, and green
ammonia can serve as a carrier of hydrogen for various applications. It enables the
storage, transport, and release of hydrogen, supporting the development of
hydrogen-powered technologies, such as fuel cells, hydrogen fueling stations, and
hydrogen-based energy systems.

7. Environmental Benefits: The production and use of green ammonia have

additional environmental benefits, such as reducing air pollutants and particulate
matter associated with burning fossil fuels. It also decreases the dependency on
non-renewable resources, conserving natural gas reserves and minimizing the
environmental impact of resource extraction.
Green ammonia offers a pathway towards a more sustainable, low-carbon economy by
leveraging renewable energy sources, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting
environmentally friendly practices across various sectors. Its versatile
applications and environmental benefits make it a promising solution in the
transition to a cleaner energy future.

limitations and challenges -

1. Cost: The production of green ammonia using renewable energy sources can be
expensive compared to traditional ammonia production methods that rely on fossil
fuels. The high upfront costs of renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind
turbines or solar panels, can make green ammonia production economically
challenging.
2. Scale and Infrastructure: Green ammonia production requires significant
infrastructure and scale-up to make it commercially viable. The development of
electrolysis facilities, storage tanks, and transportation infrastructure for green
ammonia distribution needs substantial investment and time.
3. Energy Efficiency: The current electrolysis processes used for green ammonia
production have lower energy efficiency compared to conventional ammonia production
methods. Improving the efficiency of electrolysis and reducing energy losses will
be crucial to enhance the overall sustainability and cost-effectiveness of green
ammonia production.
4. Carbon Capture and Utilization: Green ammonia is often discussed as a carbon-
neutral or low-carbon alternative, but the process itself does not capture or
remove carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. To achieve true carbon neutrality, carbon
capture and utilization technologies must be integrated into the ammonia production
process.
5. Safety and Handling: Ammonia is a hazardous substance, and safety
considerations must be taken into account throughout its production, storage, and
transportation. Adequate safety measures and protocols are necessary to mitigate
the risks associated with handling ammonia, particularly in large-scale
applications.
6. Regulatory Framework: The existing regulatory framework and standards related
to ammonia production, storage, and transportation may not fully address the
specific requirements and considerations of green ammonia. The development of
appropriate regulations and standards is crucial to ensure safe and sustainable
deployment of green ammonia technologies.
Overcoming these limitations will require continued research, innovation, and
collaboration among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers.
Addressing these challenges can help unlock the full potential of green ammonia as
a sustainable and viable alternative in various industries and applications.

Status of Green Ammonia in India

Green ammonia in India is still in the nascent stage of development. However, there
have been several initiatives and discussions to promote the adoption of green
ammonia and explore its potential applications in the country. Here are a few key
points regarding the status of green ammonia in India:
1. Government Initiatives: The Government of India has been actively promoting
clean and renewable energy sources. In 2020, the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy (MNRE) issued a memorandum highlighting the potential of green hydrogen and
green ammonia as emerging fuels. The government aims to support research,
development, and deployment of these technologies through various schemes and
incentives.
2. Research and Development: Indian research institutions and organizations are
involved in research and development activities related to green ammonia. They are
exploring various aspects such as production methods, electrolyzer technologies,
storage options, and applications in agriculture and energy sectors. Some
institutions are also collaborating with international partners to accelerate the
development of green ammonia technologies.
3. Pilot Projects and Demonstrations: Several pilot projects and demonstrations
are being conducted in India to evaluate the feasibility and viability of green
ammonia production and utilization. These projects focus on different aspects such
as electrolysis technologies, integration with renewable energy sources, and
specific applications like fertilizer production and power generation.
4. Policy Framework: While specific policies and regulations for green ammonia
are yet to be fully established in India, the government has been working on
creating a supportive policy environment. The National Hydrogen Energy Mission,
under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, aims to develop a comprehensive
framework for hydrogen and related technologies, which can include green ammonia.
5. International Collaborations: India has engaged in international
collaborations to leverage global expertise and exchange knowledge on green ammonia
technologies. Collaborations with countries such as Australia, Japan, and the
European Union have been initiated to facilitate technology transfer and
collaboration in research and development.

1. Yara International: Yara is a Norwegian chemical company and one of the

world's largest producers of ammonia. They have been actively involved in green
ammonia projects and are working towards transitioning their production to
renewable energy sources.
2. Siemens Energy: Siemens Energy, a global technology company, has been
involved in green ammonia projects, including the development of technologies for
sustainable ammonia production and storage.
3. Ørsted: Ørsted, a Danish renewable energy company, has been exploring green
ammonia as a potential way to store and transport renewable energy. They have been
involved in projects related to the production and use of green ammonia.
4. Nel ASA: Nel ASA is a Norwegian company specializing in hydrogen production
and fueling solutions. They have been involved in the production of green hydrogen
and have shown interest in green ammonia as a potential market.
5. Mitsubishi Corporation: Mitsubishi Corporation, a Japanese conglomerate, has
been involved in various energy-related projects, including the exploration of
green ammonia production and applications.
6. Nutrien: Nutrien, a Canadian fertilizer company, has been exploring green
ammonia production and distribution as part of their efforts to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions in the agriculture sector.

1. Indian energy firm Avaada Group has recently signed a MoU with the Department
of Industries and Commerce, Government of Rajasthan to set up a Green Ammonia
facility and a Renewable Energy power plant at Kota (2022)
2. Essar Group setting up a green ammonia plant in India with an initial
investment of $1.2 billion
3. ACME Group signed an agreement with the Government of Tamil Nadu to set up a
green hydrogen and green ammonia project in the State of Tamil Nadu
4. Larsen & Toubro, an Indian multi-national engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech
Manufacturing, and Services, announced today the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Norway-based H2Carrier (H2C) to co-operate towards
developing floating green ammonia projects for industrial-scale applications
5. Greenko to supply 250K tonnes green ammonia to Germany’s Uniper, 1st Indian
co to start exports from 2025