For over a century, ammonia has been a cornerstone molecule for global agriculture and industry. Each year, nearly 183 million tonnes of ammonia are produced, underpinning food security for half the world’s population through nitrogen fertilizers. Beyond this, it serves as one of the foundational chemicals enabling several industrial processes.
Today, however, ammonia is stepping into a new spotlight, defined by its potential to transform the global energy landscape.
Ammonia production currently contributes to approximately 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, relying heavily on fossil fuels like natural gas and coal. Decarbonizing this industry is a crucial step to address emissions across the chemical and agricultural sectors.
But ammonia’s story doesn’t end with challenges. Its unique properties position it as a promising low-carbon energy vector. Unlike hydrogen, which faces hurdles in storage and transport, ammonia offers a scalable solution as a hydrogen carrier.
It is also gaining traction as a clean maritime fuel and a resource for power generation. Since 2020, investments in low-carbon ammonia projects have surged, driven by the global commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050.
At RINA, with our expertise spanning maritime, energy, and industrial sectors, we recognize both the complexities and transformative potential of ammonia. In this white paper, we outline ten key priorities to drive its adoption and upscale, contributing to a cleaner, more secure, and sustainable energy future.
The question is not if ammonia will lead the hydrogen economy, but when.
