Researchers led by Utah State University and Argonne National Laboratory are working on a project to produce cleaner ammonia using nuclear energy.
The project involves using small modular nuclear reactors from NuScale Power to power electrolysis and produce “green hydrogen” from water in an emissions-free process.
This hydrogen would then be used to make ammonia, which can act as an effective way to store and transport hydrogen. Currently, most ammonia is produced through fossil fuel-intensive means.
About 1.2% of global emissions come from ammonia production. The researchers hope their nuclear-powered process can be scaled up to significantly reduce these emissions.
Around 80% of industrially produced ammonia is used in fertilizer. As the population and demand for food rises, ammonia production will need to increase as well to support agricultural needs.
The researchers believe nuclear energy can decarbonize ammonia production at a large scale cost-effectively. The $56 million in DOE funding supports developing cleaner nuclear technology.
If successful, the project could help address climate change through eliminating polluting emissions from a major industrial chemical while also supporting food security through ammonia-based fertilizer production.
Source: TCD
