Amogy, a Brooklyn-based start-up, is set to unveil a groundbreaking new technology that converts ammonia to power in a tugboat by 2024, demonstrating the potential for emissions-free marine operations.
Dr Seonghoon Woo, the CEO of Amogy, is determined to address the decarbonization of international shipping, which currently contributes approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Dr Woo emphasizes that this seemingly small percentage has been increasing and without intervention, could grow to 10% by 2050.
Ammonia, as a molecule, does not contain carbon and has a high energy density, making it a viable option for the shipping industry. It is even denser than liquid hydrogen and is more affordable per megajoule. Additionally, ammonia is a liquid at room temperature, making it easy to transport and store.
Amogy’s solution integrates a conventional proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell with reforming technology that converts ammonia to hydrogen, ultimately producing electricity. The company has successfully scaled up the technology, with accomplishments like fueling a 5 kW drone, a 100 kW John Deere tractor, and a 300 kW Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck.
Dr Woo also highlights the advantages of ammonia-to-power fuel-cell technology over battery technology for road transport, emphasizing the quick refueling time compared to electric vehicles.
Amogy’s next endeavour involves retrofitting a 1957 tugboat to operate on its zero-emissions ammonia-to-power system, with a planned demonstration on the Hudson River in New York in 2024. The project has brought together various industry partners and has received regulatory approvals from DNV and the US Coast Guard.
Dr Woo shared these updates at the Maritime Decarbonization Conference, Americas, which took place in Houston on 14th and 15th December 2023.
The potential and impact of Amogy’s green technology initiative are promising, highlighting the company’s efforts towards sustainable solutions in the maritime sector.
Source: © 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.
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