Green ammonia, ammonia produced using renewable energy–powered hydrogen is rapidly emerging as a versatile, carbon-free molecule with applications across agriculture, energy, shipping, and industry. Here are its five most important current uses:
1. Fertilizer for Agriculture
Ammonia is a foundational ingredient in nitrogen fertilizers, which support food production worldwide. Today, about 80% of global ammonia production goes into fertilizer manufacture, making it critical for feeding the world. Switching to green ammonia reduces the carbon footprint of this process, since traditional ammonia production emits vast amounts of CO₂.
2. Long-Term Energy Storage / Hydrogen Carrier
One of the most promising uses for green ammonia is as an energy carrier. Because ammonia is easier to liquify and transport than hydrogen, it can store renewable energy produced during peak times and be shipped or deployed elsewhere. When needed, it can be “cracked” back into hydrogen to run fuel cells or turbines, acting like a chemical battery for large-scale, long-duration storage.
3. Shipping Fuel
The maritime industry is already testing green ammonia as a zero-carbon marine fuel. When burnt in specially adapted engines, ammonia releases no CO₂ (though engineering must control nitrogen oxides). Notably, ammonia-fueled ships are being developed by major players, signaling a pathway to decarbonize international shipping.
4. Industrial Feedstock & High-Temperature Fuel
Green ammonia can be used in industry not just as a chemical building block (e.g., for plastics, textiles, dyes) but also as a direct fuel in high-temperature industrial processes. It can reach flame temperatures of around 1,500 °C, making it suitable for applications like metal processing, glass manufacturing, and ceramics. Because it’s zero-carbon when produced renewably, it offers a pathway to decarbonize heat-intensive sectors.
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5. Power Generation & Future Applications
Green ammonia can drive modified gas turbines or fuel cells, generating electricity without CO₂ emissions. Researchers also see its use expanding in novel “ammonia economy” applications such as synthetic fuels, long-distance hydrogen transport, and integration with renewable grids. Some long-term visions include using ammonia in carbon capture systems or for global energy trade, where it is shipped and converted back into hydrogen in regions lacking renewable infrastructure.
Green ammonia leverages existing infrastructure (like storage and transport) and adds major climate benefits. Its flexibility, serving agriculture, energy, shipping, and industry makes it a cornerstone of the low-carbon transition. As production scales up, costs are expected to come down, unlocking more widespread use in hard-to-electrify sectors.
