Does green hydrogen have a chance to displace traditional ammonia production methods? Currently, the most common way to obtain this compound is by using hydrogen from methane converted to steam, which is then combined with purified nitrogen at about 450°C in gas reactors as part of the Haber-Bosch process. Huge amounts are emitted into the environment when carrying out this conventional method. It is estimated that this process accounts for about 1.8 percent of the world emissions of thisCO2 gas.
Ammonia production based on green hydrogen
Green hydrogen is the raw material for the production of green ammonia, which in turn is the basis for making low-carbon fertilizers and other solutions. Ammonia production based on this raw material, significantly reducing environmental pollution, is to be provided by a modern, renewable energy-powered production facility. The initiators are global companies Air Products, ACWA Power and NEOM. The world’s largest green hydrogen plant is to be built within five years in the NEOM special sustainable development zone in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Its value is estimated at $5 billion. The plant is expected to produce up to 650 tons per day of emission-free hydrogen in the form of green ammonia – a cost-effective solution for transportation around the world. The venture will reduceCO2 emissions by up to 3 million tons per year
How to produce green hydrogen?
To produce this raw material, it is assumed that world-proven technologies will be used, powered exclusively by renewable energy. The energy needed to run and sustain technological processes (4 GW) will be obtained from wind and solar power plants, and the unique energy profile available in the NEOM zone is expected to ensure the production of a completely clean energy source on a massive scale. Using modern technology, the plant will be able to produce about 1.2 million tons of green ammonia annually.
Green hydrogen and its role in the global economy
Green hydrogen is one of the key elements of the inevitable energy transition to which the world’s major economies are leading. Their goal is to achieveCO2 neutrality and halt climate change. To produce green hydrogen, renewable energy sources are used instead of traditional fossil fuels. The process has the potential to bring about a sustainable transformation of the energy, transportation and industrial sectors. Green hydrogen can be used as a clean hydrogen fuel in adapted vehicles, as well as a carrier for storing and supplying electricity. The green hydrogen production sector is growing steadily, and in 2023. International companies have signed preliminary contracts for green ammonia and hydrogen projects. Their value is $33 billion.