In the global quest to mitigate carbon emissions, hydrogen energy carriers (HECs) surface as a vital component of future energy systems. According to recent findings in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, ammonia (NH3) stands out among its peers with a specific energy consumption (SEC) of 7.67 kWh/kg of hydrogen.
This consumption rate is notably 51% lower than that of liquid hydrogen (LH2), positioning NH3 as a highly efficient choice within the HEC spectrum.
Analyzing the cost efficiency, ammonia dominates with a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) at $4.76 per kilogram of hydrogen. This figure is poised to decrease by up to 26% with the potential integration of advanced cycles and the innovative repurposing of existing technologies. Such cost reduction is essential amid burgeoning interest in scaling hydrogen distribution networks, primarily from natural gas-abundant nations.
While ammonia’s economic framework appears robust, its SWOT analysis highlights a nuanced profile. Although it shows promise in cost and energy metrics, ammonia is ranked lower in safety compared to other carriers like methanol (MeOH) and dimethyl ether (DME). Regulatory support and infrastructure strength partially offset ammonia’s safety shortcomings, presenting a balanced outlook in contrast to LH2.
Despite ammonia’s drawbacks in safety, its superior scalability and reduced transportation costs present a compelling case for its adoption in large-scale hydrogen delivery systems. This analysis suggests that while ammonia holds significant promise, ensuring its widespread application demands further research focused on enhancing its safety profile and economic feasibility. As the energy transition accelerates, such techno-economic evaluations are pivotal in aligning hydrogen carrier pathways with sustainable, global goals.
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