Energy storage

Renewables are beginning to dominate the energy generation sector, favoured for their low-to-zero carbon emissions and, therefore, the potential to meet EU and global climate targets.

Though powerful and promising, the unreliable nature of such sources means the industry is increasingly seeking new methods of energy storage.

Batteries are an option but chemical options, such as hydrogen and ammonia are also promising solutions. Ammonia can be used to store renewable energy: it is rapidly deployable, easy to handle, and produces no carbon emissions in the case of direct combustion.

Ammonia, a compound composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, has emerged as a game-changing solution in the realm of energy storage. With its versatile properties and significant potential, ammonia offers a promising avenue for tackling the challenges of renewable energy integration, emissions reduction, and sustainable power generation.

Benefits of using ammonia to store renewable energy

Long-duration renewable storage

Existing infrastructure

Efficient transport

Scalable

Ammonia for storage

Ammonia’s appeal lies in its unique attributes. It is a carrier of hydrogen, an essential element for clean energy and it boasts high energy density by volume, making it an excellent candidate for energy storage and transportation. Its physical properties allow for efficient compression and storage at moderate pressures, simplifying its handling and distribution.

Ammonia offers a bridge between renewables and reliable energy supply, unlocking new possibilities for a carbon-neutral future. 

As it stands, however, ammonia’s use in the energy system to date has been very limited – less than one per cent of its global use is for energy-related purposes. Integration of ammonia in the energy system therefore offers a broad opportunity for further improvement.

For example, in places where climatic conditions allow for ultra-low-cost green electricity, small-scale ammonia synthesis could enable decentralised ammonia production through distributed generation. It could also lower transportation costs and, as a result, offer a cheaper product.

Ammonia is a promising solution for long-term, large-scale energy storage: its potential to integrate different elements of the energy system mean it could become a decisive element in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions, while enhancing decarbonisation strategies.