Ammonia has been the focus of the naval industry as one of the best fuels to achieve a cleaner energy balance, given its versatility and abundance, and ease of storage and transportation.
However, despite the favorable characteristics, it will still take some time for maritime transport to run on ammonia and leave a smaller footprint on the planet. Shipping currently accounts for about 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
To be able toachieve carbon neutrality by 2050.Hydrogen fuels such as ammonia are expected to make up 30% of marine fuel.This is stated in the report of the International Energy Agency.
Prospective use of ammonia is not far off. Japanese shipping and logistics company NYK Lines and IHI Power Systems are developing the world’s first ammonia-powered tug, Euronews reports.
“We must achieve zero emissions by 2050 and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. Ammonia is the most profitable solution because, firstly, it has zero emissions, does not emit greenhouse gases, and we already have some experience in transporting ammonia,” defends CEO Yokoyama Tsutomu.
Despite a number of advantages, ammonia, however, a toxic chemical for humans and aquatic life. To allay concerns, NYK explained that safety is a “primary” and “top priority” for the company.
“We are currently conducting a physical assessment, which is being conducted jointly with a Japanese government agency, the Japanese Coast Guard. We identify a possible risk, and also develop a solution,” he stressed.
While this hydrogen-nitrogen chemical already plays an important role in its use as a fertilizer and cleaning agent, its production process is not yet sustainable.
Japanese engineering firm JGC and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology have used electricity from renewable energy sources to produce “green ammonia,” a cleanup-focused ammonia production process. After this experience, JGC plans to build a clean chemical plant so that the renewable energy produced can be used to the maximum.
Its purpose is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced by ammonia. Mentioning that “the amount of CO2 corresponds to 1 or 2% of global emissions”, administrator Kai Mototaka explained that “ammonia can be used in another sector, in a new market for energy, energy production and maritime transport”, which will reduce the amount of CO2 “not only on 1 or 2%, but much more,” he added.
While cost is one of the biggest concerns with using ammonia, the price of renewable electricity is predicted to continue to fall, making “green ammonia” a clean and viable fuel in the future.
