Low-temperature, low-pressure ammonia tech

How could the technology support food production without generating unnecessary emissions?

Spotted: Approximately 70 per cent of all ammonia produced is used to make fertilisers, meaning the compound plays a huge role in growing crops and supporting the global food system. However, the way in which most ammonia is produced on an industrial scale, called the Haber-Bosch process, relies on extremely high pressures and temperatures to convert atmospheric nitrogen into essential ammonia. This process is heavily reliant on the use of fossil fuels, consuming between three and five per cent of the world’s natural gas production.

This is where Ammobia comes in. The US startup aims to modernise the Haber-Bosch process into what it calls ‘Haber-Bosch 2.0’, using modern innovation to create green ammonia from clean hydrogen and air. In the novel process, hydrogen is generated through renewably powered electrolysis, with nitrogen separated from the air. These elements combine in the Ammobia reactor to form clean ammonia, which can then be turned into fertiliser, energy-dense alternative fuels, or feedstock.

Ammobia’s flexible technology, which relies on green energy instead of fossil fuels, enables ammonia to be produced using 10 times less pressure at a temperature 150 degrees Celsius lower than is typically possible. Because of this, the process generates between 80 and 90 per cent fewer emissions, and ends up being three times cheaper than the industry standard.

Springwise has spotted other innovations looking to make fertiliser production and use more sustainable, including more efficient fertilisers and an on-site production system.

Written By: Archie Cox