In the 19th Century, Europeans discovered the valuable nature of bird droppings as an excellent fertiliser, following the knowledge of the Inca civilization. The fertiliser, known as guano, was highly valued due to its rich ammonia content, making it an essential ingredient for plant growth. As fertiliser demand increased, Fritz Haber, a German chemist, devised the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis, revolutionising the industry.
However, the traditional Haber-Bosch process is powered by fossil fuels, contributing to global CO2 emissions. As a result, companies are now in a race to produce “green” ammonia, a cleaner alternative that won’t harm the environment.
Starfire Energy, a US-based firm, is pioneering the production of ammonia from renewable energy, air, and water. By using electrolysers to split hydrogen from water and using a catalyst to encourage nitrogen to bond with hydrogen, they are able to produce ammonia sustainably. The company aims to deliver its first commercial-scale devices by 2025, with the capability of producing a tonne of ammonia per day.
Atmonia, another company from Iceland, also plans to sell mini ammonia factories that fit inside shipping containers. Their primary goal is not only to decarbonize fertiliser production but also to produce enough ammonia to be used as a fuel. This innovative approach could accelerate the world’s transition away from fossil fuels for transportation.
Jupiter Ionics, based in Australia, is developing a technology that uses lithium as a mediator to break apart nitrogen molecules and produce ammonia. They aim to scale up their equipment within the next 12-18 months to meet the increasing demand for sustainable ammonia.
Nitricity, a US-based company, is taking a different approach by using solar-powered plasma cells to fix nitrogen from the air directly. The fixed nitrogen is then used to produce nitric acid, eliminating the need for hydrogen production and providing a more direct approach to fertiliser application.
Furthermore, large projects for manufacturing ammonia using renewable energy, such as the one in Uzbekistan, signify a shift towards sustainable practices in the industry. Overall, the collective effort of these firms is crucial for developing and scaling up technologies that could revolutionise ammonia production.
In conclusion, the emerging trend of producing sustainable ammonia heralds a new era in the chemical industry. With continuous innovation and investment in green technologies, the future of ammonia production seems promising and environmentally friendly.
+ There are no comments
Add yours