Ammonia Applications
Ammonia's Diverse Applications
Discover the versatile uses and pressing needs of ammonia across key industries in a changing world.
With the energy transition in full swing, the global demand for low-carbon solutions requires immediate action. Industry projections predict significant growth in the global ammonia market in the coming years. Ammonia is utilized today in multiple industries. At LANH3, we are primarily focusing on the application of ammonia in fertilizers, power storage, shipping fuel, and the chemical industry.
Fertilizers
Agriculture accounts for roughly 80% of the world’s ammonia use because half of global food production depends on mineral fertilizers. Fertilization enhances plant nutrition, promotes growth, improves crop quality, and maintains or even boosts soil fertility. As a key ingredient in fertilizers, ammonia is essential for our food industry. With the increasing world population, the demand for food—and consequently for fertilizers—is continually growing. This trend highlights the rising need for green and blue ammonia in the coming years.
Power Storage
Ammonia is scalable and easy to transport, making it an excellent solution for large-scale energy storage and long-distance renewable energy transportation. It can be stored in tanks and converted back into electricity when needed, either through combustion or by “cracking” it into hydrogen and nitrogen. As a hydrogen carrier, ammonia enables the use of hydrogen in fuel cells for power generation. Despite some efficiency losses during conversion, ammonia’s compactness and ease of transport make it a valuable energy carrier comparable to natural gas.
Shipping Fuel
Ammonia is gaining attention as a promising alternative fuel for the shipping industry due to its high energy density and zero carbon emissions when burned. As maritime regulations tighten and the demand for sustainable fuels grows, ammonia offers a viable solution for decarbonizing long-distance shipping. It can be used in internal combustion engines or fuel cells to power ships without releasing carbon dioxide. Additionally, existing infrastructure can be adapted for ammonia storage and bunkering, facilitating a smoother transition to cleaner maritime fuel options.
Chemical Industry
Ammonia plays a significant role in the chemical industry, offering opportunities for a sustainable revolution. Approximately 20% of the world’s ammonia is used to manufacture intermediate and end products such as fiber-based materials, polymers, plastics, and rubber. By transitioning from traditional fossil-based ammonia to green or blue ammonia can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of industries like packaging and clothing.