Graham MacGillivray | MEL Candidate | Dec 17, 2021.
Mentor: Marc Brunet-Watson, Energy Evolution;
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to evaluate the technical, social, political, and economic feasibility of large- scale green ammonia production in the province of British Columbia.
Ammonia has been produced at an industrial scale to support food production for over a century, however it has only recently gained traction as a potential key component of global energy system decarbonization efforts. It can act as a chemical energy vector or as a carrier of hydrogen to allow for global distribution and the building of a hydrogen economy. Green ammonia is ammonia produced with a hydrogen feedstock from water electrolysis powered by renewable energy and has become an area of significant interest as renewable energy and electrolysis costs continue to decrease.
As a province with abundant fresh water resources, renewable energy access, and a progressive political climate, B.C. may seem like the ideal location for a green ammonia facility. There are also challenges that must be considered like the high cost of electricity and the lack of well-defined hydrogen development policy. To evaluate the economic case, a simplified process and financial model has been produced which determines the levelized cost of both hydrogen and ammonia from facilities of different scales in the province of British Columbia.
Introduction
.
Hydrogen is often touted as the fuel of the future, however key challenges such as a lack of distribution infrastructure, difficulties in long-term storage, and low volumetric energy density continue to be barriers for the transition to a hydrogen economy. This is where ammonia, a molecule synthesized and transported at industrial scales for over 100 years, and with an overall market value of ~$65b USD, can play a role.
Chemical Properties:
Ammonia is a colourless gas at room temperature that combusts under a narrow fuel to air ratio (15-25% air)
N2 + 3H2 2NH3
Application Potential:
~85% of current ammonia production is used for fertilizer to support global food supply, but there is vast potential in energy.
Global Market:
As ammonia markets grow, huge potential exists to supply Asian markets. British Columbia can be that supplier.
Process Economics
Strength of BC
Conclusion
British Columbia could be major global supplier of green ammonia. Reducing risk by defining a regulatory framework and reducing costs by subsidizing electricity would help drive investment if strengths like fresh water and renewable energy access are leveraged appropriately.
Contact
Graham MacGillivray
UBC MEL CEEN
Email: gmacg@student.ubc.ca
Partner: Energy Evolution Consulting