Blue-green ammonia is cheaper, greener to make, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• A study in Energy & Fuels found that combining blue and green ammonia production lowers costs and increases efficiency.
• The hybrid design uses oxygen from electrolysis in natural gas reforming and air for nitrogen.
• The levelized cost of ammonia production decreased by 7% compared to standalone plants.
• Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 63% using the combined approach.

Detailed Insights:

• Blue ammonia production uses natural gas with carbon capture technology to reduce emissions.
• Green ammonia production utilizes renewable energy to power electrolysis of water, producing hydrogen for ammonia synthesis.
• Combining these methods leverages the strengths of both, optimizing resource use and lowering the overall environmental impact.
• This approach can contribute to a more sustainable ammonia production industry, crucial for fertilizers and other industrial applications.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Electrolysis: Using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
• Carbon Capture: Technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions from sources.
• Levelized Cost: The average total cost to produce a commodity over its lifetime.