The Role of Ammonia in Decarbonization: a Techno-economic Assessment of NH3 as H2 Carrier and NH3 as Energy Vector

NH3 is increasingly recognized as a versatile and promising energy vector in the transition towards a sustainable energy future. By utilizing renewable electricity to power the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis, green ammonia production eliminates or significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil-based NH3 production pathways. As a clean and sustainable alternative to conventional ammonia, green NH3 offers multiple benefits, including serving as a carbon-free fuel for transportation, providing a means of storing and transporting renewable energy, and enabling the production of carbon-neutral fertilizers and chemicals. In this framework, this work discusses the potential of NH3 as both H2 carrier and energy vector through a detailed techno-economic assessment. For each stage of the value chain, both fixed and operating costs are highlighted, to understand where to focus research efforts for future process intensification.