<
https://theconversation.com/why-green-ammonia-may-not-be-that-green-204363>
"Ammonia has been in the news because of its suitability as a hydrogen carrier
and fuel, in addition to being a vital ingredient in fertiliser. Existing
distribution networks and the ease of turning ammonia gas into a liquid make
ammonia a cost-effective way to transport renewable energy. For a given volume,
ammonia – a molecule made up of three hydrogen atoms and one nitrogen atom –
carries about 50% more hydrogen atoms than hydrogen itself.
As ammonia contains only hydrogen and nitrogen, it does not emit carbon dioxide
when used. If made using green hydrogen (produced with renewable energy), its
production also does not emit carbon dioxide. Therefore, green ammonia could
help achieve a net-zero world, particularly as a fuel for long-haul transport
and heavy industry.
Australia is well placed to develop a major renewable hydrogen export industry,
potentially using green ammonia. Proposed projects include Cape Hardy,
Collinsville, Australian Renewable Energy Hub, HyNQ, H2Tas and Gibson Island.
Unfortunately, just because ammonia doesn’t contain carbon, that doesn’t make
it good for the environment. It’s a source of nitrogen pollution, which has
many damaging environmental impacts. Despite Australia’s natural advantage in
producing green ammonia, we ironically have the biggest per capita nitrogen
footprint in the world.
Rarely, though, do green ammonia proponents critically assess its environmental
sustainability beyond net zero claims."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
