Conceptualizing radical solutions to global warming via pipeline transport green fuel ammonia produced from abundant renewable energy in equatorial waters

The threat of global warming is imminent; however, fundamental solutions have yet to be presented. The current large-scale deployment of solar and wind power poses several challenges, including difficulties in storing large amounts of electricity and reduced power grid inertia. Additionally, rising surface temperatures thaw carbon-rich permafrost, glaciers, and Arctic ice, decreasing surface albedo (sunlight reflectance) and increasing atmospheric water vapor and methane, which have potent greenhouse effects. The result is a self-reinforcing cycle of rising surface temperatures, even if greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced to zero. These challenges can be overcome by (1) deploying numerous high-capacity floating offshore photovoltaic plants in equatorial waters with abundant renewable energy resources and generating sufficient electricity to meet the world’s primary energy needs; (2) using the generated electricity to synthesize green fuel ammonia, which is key to solving the challenges of renewable energy, and transporting and storing it globally via pipeline networks; and (3) continuously removing sufficient quantities of GHGs from the atmosphere to offset the self-reinforcing cycle. Upon deployment and implementation of such strategies by 2050, the Paris Agreement goals could be achieved and even return to pre-industrial levels. However, increased sea levels cannot be reversed.