As coordinator of the CLIENT-II project CoalCO2-X, Dr. Lènàrd-István Csepei moderated the round table discussion about the role of ammonia in future energy systems. In line with the ambition to foster discussion with emerging renewable energy carrier importers from the Southern Hemisphere, to the moderator welcomed participants from South America (Brazil, Colombia and Peru) and Europe (Germany, Spain). Bringing in experts from the navy, maritime industry, energy industry and research and  development (R&D) enabled a cross-sectoral discussion paving the way for partnership building .

The challenge

With massive deployment of renewable electricity, in some regions the energy systems are on track to reach the net zero goals. However, very significant energy carrier imports will be needed to several countries on the Northern Hemisphere especially in wintertime in order to supply energy for residential uses, future electrified industrial branches and mobility.

Realization pathway

For progressing renewable ammonia into the role of intercontinentally traded net zero energy carrier, renewable ammonia production capacity (upstream) has to be expanded massively. This is because the market will be foreseeably 2-2,5 times larger than the conventional ammonia market is today. Along the way, responsible production and consumption need to be considered in order to avoid competition between energy- and fertilizer uses of ammonia. Ethical and societal questions need to be analyzed objectively when sourcing ammonia from countries that face severe energy water and/or food shortages. Furthermore, ammonia distribution infrastructure (midstream) has to be significantly strengthened, while the downstream has to be fitted with ammonia-ready end-use assets. 

Partnerships and dialogues needed for realizing the goal

First, the innovation ecosystem along the entire value chain has to cooperate with safety/classification companies in order to bring to the market scalable, proven, cost-effective and safe technologies that are acceptable by the wide public.

Regulators need to consult stakeholders along the entire value chain to craft effective yet enabling policies. Finally, prospective producers need to interact with licensors and investors to effectively roll out these technologies that are part of the solution towards reaching the net-zero 2050 goals.

Here you can find the protocoll of the discussion.

For more information on the project visit the project page.