NH3 (Anhydrous Ammonia) is an idea whose time as come.
NH3 is a gas , and one which occurs in nature, but only in limited quantities. However, it is also the third most transported commodity in the U.S., produced synthetically by an industrial process which dates back to 1910, and is known as the Haber-Bosch process. The vast bulk of all of this material is produced for mass consumption, as much of the world’s fertilizer supply. Unfortunately, the process is based on the reforming of natural gas, or even by the burning of coal, and on a large refinery-sized scale. And so; it is subject to large volumes of GHG (GreenHouse Gases) emissions, and the cost of it is tied directly to world natural gas prices, both of which are going in the wrong direction.
However, NH3 also has some very interesting other properties, starting with the fact that it is basically one part N (Nitrogen), and 3 parts H (Hydrogen). This means that it can be used as an energy storage medium, or as we more commonly refer them; as fuels. And since it contains no carbons whatsoever, it is also then a Zero Emission Fuel, and one which can be used today, in most existing cars, trucks, locomotives, ships and airplanes, and each with only minor modification.
Plus, if produced with our technology, the price for this ecoFuel is then not only competitive with today’s other fuel prices, but can even be fixed for a further 20-30 years, by production supply contract.
Additionally, unlike Hydrogen itself, it does not require all new infrastructure in order to practically be able to handle it, nor to store it; at neither extreme temperatures (-352C), nor at extreme pressures (+10,000 PSI). In fact, NH3 behaves and handles much more like everyday propane.
In short, it is a solution which is very, right now, “good to go”.
And it just gets better: If you happen to then produce NH3 using electricity instead of natural gas (which we do), and if that electricity is renewable (wind, solar, tidal, etc.), it then becomes Green NH3, with 0% GHGs emitted, throughout the entire production chain. And aside from the electricity which powers our process, the only feedstocks (raw materials) are air + water. Almost too good to be true.
And last, but not least, if you are using wind or solar power to produce NH3, you can now also store that energy inexpensively, and then use it later as fuel for electrical generators, thereby producing windpower when the wind doesn’t blow, and solar power when the sun doesn’t shine. We believe this to be a “game changer”.
Here, at NH3 Canada, we are working hard to deliver this exciting potential, in the form of NH3 FuelStations, which synthesize and produce NH3 on-site, and within complete turnkey systems such as; ESS (Electrical Storage Solutions), On-Site Fertilizer Production, Green Fuelling stations, and integration with all major types of renewable energy projects.
Orders are now being taken for BETA test units, and turnkey system solutions; deliveries commencing Q2, 2024. Enquiries are welcome.