In the quest to minimize carbon footprints from vehicle emissions, various alternatives to fossil fuels are emerging. Electrification and the use of alternative products have the potential to address the challenges posed by climate change. Have you ever wondered if green ammonia is used as a fuel?
What is Green Ammonia?
Ammonia is a chemical compound composed of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3). It consists of one part nitrogen and three parts hydrogen, creating a gas with a strong odor and no color. While commonly used for cleaning and disinfection, ammonia also finds professional applications within the industrial sector.
The primary issue with ammonia lies in its production, which generates substantial CO2 emissions, making it highly polluting. However, the key to mitigating emissions lies in producing ammonia through renewable sources, allowing the reaction of green hydrogen with nitrogen present in the atmosphere.
In such cases, the natural gas required for production is replaced by green hydrogen produced through electrolysis. This process involves using electricity from renewable sources and water. As a result, hydrogen production does not emit gases, translating to emission-free production of ammonia.
Green Ammonia as a Fuel
The answer is yes, and it could be the solution for the most polluting transports—those requiring extended range without compromising performance while also reducing emissions. Large vehicles contribute to 23 percent of global emissions, making it crucial to address the issue in this sector. Electrification does not appear to be the sole solution, and alternative fuels like hydrogen fuel cells may pose implementation challenges due to the complexity of transporting hydrogen. This is where green ammonia shines, as it can be economically transported in a liquid state.
Advantages of Green Ammonia as a Fuel
In addition to being a cost-effective and easily transportable product, green ammonia used as a fuel offers a range of advantages:
- High Energy Value: It possesses a greater energy density than other alternative fuels like hydrogen. A smaller quantity of ammonia is needed for a vehicle’s engine to function.
- Global Production Capability: It can be produced anywhere globally and transformed without the need for constructing new infrastructure. This reduces production costs compared to other alternative fuels.
- Carbon-Free Composition: Its combustion does not generate CO2, contributing to decarbonization.
Disadvantages of Green Ammonia as a Fuel
However, green ammonia as a fuel does have some drawbacks that influence its evaluation for vehicle use:
- NOx Emissions: It produces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, similar to fossil fuel-powered vehicles, which can be harmful to health. Addressing this issue requires enhancing combustion processes to reduce or eliminate the emission of such particles into the atmosphere.
- Complex Engines: Vehicles using green ammonia as fuel will require more complex engines, as they need to facilitate the conversion of the compound into hydrogen within the vehicle. This hydrogen must then be used to generate electricity.
- Energy Losses: The process of hydrogen production within the engine results in a portion of the generated electricity being lost, preventing it from reaching the motor.
Currently, various projects are underway to tackle emissions from the most polluting vehicles, aiming to reduce the overall carbon footprint. As technology and research progress, green ammonia stands out as a promising alternative fuel, offering a sustainable solution to address environmental concerns.