Green ammonia and urea plant: a sustainable fertiliser solution

As the world confronts the climate crisis, industries must transform to meet the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially in agriculture where products like ammonia and urea play a pivotal role in global food production. 

One of the most pressing issues today is the carbon footprint associated with traditional ammonia production, which currently relies on fossil fuels. Every year, this process contributes more than 450 million tons of CO₂ emissions globally. But what if we could reimagine this process using green technologies that not only cut emissions but also pave the way for a cleaner future? 

Our latest study published on the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy focuses on the feasibility of a green ammonia and urea production plant in Southern Italy, where we combine renewable energy with cutting-edge climate finance strategies to make green solutions a reality.

Green Ammonia: A Cleaner Path Forward

Ammonia is a cornerstone of the fertiliser industry, supporting food production for about half of the global population. However, its production based on the century-old Haber-Bosch process is highly carbon-intensive. Today, we stand at the threshold of a breakthrough. By harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, ammonia can be produced through the electrolysis of desalinated water, which is combined with nitrogen to create ammonia without the significant carbon emissions of traditional methods. 

Our study analysed five production scenarios, each designed to maximise efficiency and circularity and minimise costs while ensuring environmental compliance with European standards for greenhouse gas emissions. In the most promising scenario, the green ammonia achieved an impressive levelised cost of product — a competitive figure that brings us closer to the conventional grey products.

Sustainability Beyond Ammonia: Green Urea Production

Building on the results of green ammonia production, we also explored the decarbonisation of urea, a key fertiliser derived from ammonia. Traditionally, urea production also releases significant amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere. By integrating external sources of CO₂ from industrial processes, we aim to create a circular economy where CO₂ emissions are not just reduced, but reused to align with the European Union’s carbon neutrality goals.

Climate Finance: Enabling a Sustainable Transition

The results obtained are based on the integration of climate finance in traditional techno-economic assessments. The integration of green finance strategies into our study is a game-changer. By leveraging mechanisms like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the Innovation Fund, green ammonia and urea can start to compete in the global market with traditional products despite the higher costs commonly associated with renewable technologies.

Building a Greener Tomorrow 

By embracing renewable energy, carbon utilisation and innovative climate finance, we are setting a new standard for low-carbon industrial production. As we move forward, we invite our partners and clients to join us on this journey toward a more sustainable and resilient world.

Read the full article published on the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy: Climate finance-driven feasibility study of a green ammonia and urea production plant in Italy