Ammonia—A Fuel of the Future? Economies of Production and Control of NO$_x$ Emissions via Oscillating NH$_3$ Combustion for Process Heat Generation

This study investigates the viability of using Ammonia as a carbon-free fuel for heat generation in terms of both reactive Nitrogen and Carbon emissions and production cost. As a carbon-free, environmentally friendly energy carrier, Ammonia has the potential to play a significant role in the sustainable, clean energy supply of the future. However, a major drawback of the steady combustion of ammonia for process heat generation is the extremely high levels of NO$_x$ emissions it produces. In this pilot-scale study, the experimental results show that, through the oscillating combustion of NH$_3$, NO$_x$ emissions can be reduced by as much as 80%. Production costs were compared to evaluate the economic feasibility of Ammonia-based heat; the results reveal the economic challenges associated with using Ammonia compared to natural gas, even when accounting for the development of CO$_2$ pricing. Only in terms of Carbon Capture and Storage requirements is Ammonia-based heat economically advantageous. This study also scrutinizes the economies of the production of gray and green Ammonia. Considering CO$_2$ certificate costs, the cost of green ammonia would be competitive in the near future.