Use of green Ammonia as an fuel alternative in transport applications
Green ammonia is emerging as a promising alternative fuel to decarbonize the shipping and aviation sectors. It has higher energy density than hydrogen and is easier to store, making it an attractive option for transport. Green ammonia is produced from renewable energy sources through the Haber-Bosch process, where nitrogen from the air and hydrogen from water are combined to produce ammonia. The production of green ammonia emits no greenhouse gases and has the potential to replace conventional fuels.
In the shipping sector, ammonia has the potential to reduce emissions by 50% by 2050, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Several shipping companies, including NYK Line, have announced plans to use ammonia as a marine fuel. NYK Line is building a 499-passenger vessel that will run on green ammonia and is expected to enter service in 2025. Other shipping companies, such as MISC Berhad and Ardmore Shipping, have also announced plans to test green ammonia as a marine fuel.
In the aviation sector, the use of green ammonia is still in its early stages. However, several companies, including Airbus and ZeroAvia, are exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cells to power airplanes, which could be fueled by green ammonia. Sustainable aviation fuels made from waste and agriculture residues are also being explored as alternatives to conventional jet fuels.
The following table summarizes the use of green ammonia in shipping:
| Company | Use of Green Ammonia |
|---|---|
| NYK Line | Building a passenger vessel to run on green ammonia, expected to enter service in 2025 |
| MISC Berhad | Planning to test green ammonia as a marine fuel |
| Ardmore Shipping | Planning to test green ammonia as a marine fuel |
Green ammonia has the potential to decarbonize the shipping and aviation sectors and is emerging as a promising alternative to conventional fuels. The use of green ammonia as a transport fuel is still in its early stages, but several companies are exploring its potential and investing in research and development to make it a reality. The success of green ammonia as a transport fuel will depend on decreasing costs, developing storage infrastructure, and introducing demand incentives, supply mandates, and carbon taxes.