NH3 value chain for green H2 transport: a European scenario

NH3 is increasingly recognized as a versatile and promising energy vector for the transition to a sustainable energy future. This work examines the potential of NH3 as H2 carrier for both industrial and mobility sectors applications through a detailed techno-economic assessment. For each stage of the value chain (NH3 synthesis, storage, maritime transport, distribution, and cracking) both fixed and operating costs are evaluated. Particular attention is paid to synthesis and cracking, the cost-drivers of the whole value chain, for which an in-depth technical analysis is performed. The overall hydrogen transportation cost is retrieved for a European scenario and weaknesses are pointed out, to understand where research efforts should focus for future process intensification. Transport costs are estimated to be about 5-6 €/kg for industrial applications and about 13-14 €/kg for mobility end use.