Agreement Inked for Green Ammonia Supply from India to Japan
Context:
Recently, an Indian renewable energy company ACME, and a Japanese heavy industry giant IHI have entered into a pact to supply Green Ammonia from India to Japan.
Relevance:
GS-02 GS-03 (Conservation, Government Policies & Interventions)
Prelims:
Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, Haber’s Process
Main details:
- This collaborative agreement aims to challenge the dominance of relatively cheaper yet environmentally unfriendly blue ammonia supply.
- It leverages the active support and incentives provided by the Indian Central Government under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) and the State Government of Odisha.
- Green Ammonia production will be centered at ACME’s 1.2 MMTPA Green Ammonia project underway at Gopalpur in Odisha, with a total investment of 5 billion USD.
- The partnership between ACME and IHI spans the entire value chain, encompassing production, logistics, and supply to Japanese customers.
- The objective is to establish a market for green ammonia, targeting applications in power generation and various industrial uses in Japan to curtail overall emissions.
About ACME:
- ACME stands as one of India’s leading renewable Independent Power Producers, boasting a portfolio of over 5 GW of renewable energy capacity.
- In 2021, ACME completed construction of what is believed to be the world’s first Green Ammonia plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Green Ammonia:
- Green ammonia, is produced through a process that is 100% renewable and carbon-free.
- Ammonia, a versatile chemical primarily utilized in nitrogenous fertilizer production, such as urea and ammonium nitrate, holds potential beyond traditional applications.
- One method involves utilizing hydrogen obtained from water electrolysis and nitrogen extracted from the air. These elements are then subjected to the Haber process, powered by sustainable electricity, wherein hydrogen and nitrogen are combined under high temperatures and pressures to yield ammonia (NH3).
Applications:
- With its ability to be stored in bulk as a liquid at modest pressures or refrigerated temperatures, ammonia emerges as a promising candidate for renewable energy storage solutions.
- Ammonia’s versatility extends to its potential as a clean-burning fuel. Whether utilized in combustion engines or fuel cells, ammonia’s combustion produces only water and nitrogen as by-products, offering a sustainable alternative for energy generation.
- The maritime sector stands poised to embrace green ammonia as a replacement for conventional fuel oil in marine engines, paving the way for eco-friendly shipping practices.
Significance:
- Its integration into carbon-neutral fertilizer production processes holds promise for decarbonizing the food value chain. Moreover, as a climate-neutral shipping fuel, green ammonia contributes to addressing global challenges associated with food security and energy sustainability.
- In essence, green ammonia emerges as a transformative solution poised to revolutionize chemical production, foster sustainable energy practices, and mitigate the environmental impact of key industries. As society grapples with the urgent need for carbon-neutral alternatives, the rise of green ammonia offers a beacon of hope in the quest for a greener, more sustainable future.
