Green Ammonia
Products traditionally created by the reforming of oil and gas — methanol, ammonia and hydrogen — continue to enjoy strong demand, not only from end markets like fertilizers and other agriculture applications but also as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
Green ammonia is a zero-carbon fuel, hydrogen carrier and fertilizer. Ammonia, composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, has a higher energy density than hydrogen and is stored as a liquid at elevated pressures or low temperatures, making it easier to transport and store than hydrogen. Regions with an abundance of renewable energy like wind and solar power can produce and export green ammonia to regions lacking renewable sources. Ammonia can then be converted to green hydrogen or combusted directly.
The green ammonia process uses renewable energy to convert water to hydrogen and oxygen in electrolyzers, and then separate nitrogen from atmospheric air in a cryogenic distillation unit. The nitrogen and hydrogen are converted to ammonia using the Haber process, but renewable energy provides the power demands, making the ammonia carbon free.
Lummus Consultants engaged with a client involved in the development of a first of its kind wind-to-ammonia project in Canada. The due diligence included technical reviews of the design and technologies selected, commercial reviews of estimates and assumptions, and environmental/social reviews in support of financing.
The technical reviews included the wind farm, wind resource and wind turbine selection, power transmission and grid interconnect, electrolyzer design and technology selection, ammonia synthesis loop and air separation unit. We also assessed challenges and risks associated with the technologies selected, the variability of the power supply, storage options for mitigating wind power variability, and climate, topography and geotechnical risks.
The economic reviews included capital expenses with supporting agreements, as well as our opinion on contingency, operating expenses, execution plan and schedule, and projected performance. A review of permitting and environmental, social, health and safety, and security effects rounded out the scope of work.
At-a-Glance
Technology: Green ammonia
Our role: Independent technical and environmental consultant
Scope of services: Due diligence
Location: Canada
Client: Confidential
Highlights
- Supported development of green ammonia in regions with abundant renewable power
- Project sought to harness wind power to produce green hydrogen
- Helped client to secure project funding