Work

Comprehensive techno-economic assessment of Green-Ammonia@Scale production

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Conventional Ammonia (NH 3 ) production through steam methane reforming directly emits greenhouse gases like Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and indirectly releases air pollutants such as Nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ). Conversely, utilizing renewable-powered water electrolysis enables the production of green-NH 3 , providing a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable alternative. A comprehensive techno-economic analysis (TEA) model, incorporating economies of scale, was developed to investigate the feasibility of green-NH 3 @Scale production at two prospective locations within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Aspen Plus, the Hydrogen (H 2 ) Production Analysis model (H2A), and the System Advisor Model (SAM) were used to simulate and optimize the volumetric production and economic metrics. The findings reveal substantial variability in the levelized cost of green-NH 3 (LCOA), driven by factors such as production scale, electrolyzer type, and power-to-power plant configuration. Depending on the geographical location of the production facility, production scale, and associated economic and financial parameters, the LCOA ranged from $556/t to $680/t. This positions green-NH 3 near competitive parity with blue-NH 3 , which has a cost of approximately $400/t. These results underscore the cost-effectiveness of green-NH 3 and its potential as a robust H 2 energy carrier, providing a benchmark to guide investment decisions and inform policy development. • Techno-economic model for green-NH 3 production with economies of scale. • Simulations across multiple production targets, plant configurations, PV-modules, and electrolyzers. • Addressed procedural deficiencies, integrated financial parameters, analyzed grid-connected and standalone scenarios. • Optimal LCOA: $590.12/t (AEL), $646.63/t (PEMEL); significant cost impact from economies of scale. • Policy incentives, and recommendations to further reduce the cost of green-NH 3 .

Source: Cleaner Engineering and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.clet.2025.100964

Authors: Muhammad Sadiq, Ahmad Mayyas, Pedro R.R. Rochedo

Institution: Khalifa University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,220