Ammonia—A Fuel of the Future? Economies of Production and Control of NOx Emissions via Oscillating NH3 Combustion for Process Heat Generation

This study investigates the viability of using Ammonia as a carbon-free fuel for heat generation in terms of both reactive Nitrogen and Carbon emissions and production cost. As a carbon-free, environmentally friendly energy carrier, Ammonia has the potential to play a significant role in the sustainable, clean energy supply of the future. However, a major drawback of the steady combustion of ammonia for process heat generation is the extremely high levels of NOx emissions it produces. In this pilot-scale study, the experimental results show that, through the oscillating combustion of NH3, NOx emissions can be reduced by as much as 80%. Production costs were compared to evaluate the economic feasibility of Ammonia-based heat; the results reveal the economic challenges associated with using Ammonia compared to natural gas, even when accounting for the development of CO2 pricing. Only in terms of Carbon Capture and Storage requirements is Ammonia-based heat economically advantageous. This study also scrutinizes the economies of the production of gray and green Ammonia. Considering CO2 certificate costs, the cost of green ammonia would be competitive in the near future.