Syllabus: GS-III: Conservation

Why in the News?

A recent study published in Energy & Fuels highlighted the potential of Blue-Green Ammonia—a hybrid production pathway—as a cost-effective and low-carbon alternative to traditional ammonia production. 

More About the News

• The study found that this method could reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 63% and lower the levelised cost of ammonia (LCOA) by 7%, making it an attractive bridge solution until fully renewable (green) ammonia becomes viable at scale.
• This is significant for India, a major consumer of urea-based fertilisers and a country pushing towards clean energy through the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023).

What is Blue-Green Ammonia?

• Ammonia (NH₃) is widely used in fertilisers, shipping fuel, and energy storage.
• Conventional ammonia is produced through the Haber–Bosch process, using hydrogen derived from natural gas (via steam methane reforming). This method is highly carbon-intensive and contributes around 1.8% of global CO₂ emissions.
• Blue Ammonia: Derived from natural gas but coupled with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to trap CO₂.
• Green Ammonia: Produced using renewable-powered electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen, combined with nitrogen from air.
• Blue-Green Ammonia: A hybrid approach, integrating both processes for efficiency and reduced costs.
  

Process of Making Blue-Green Ammonia

The hybrid system combines elements of both blue and green production:

• Electrolysis of Water (Renewables-based): Produces hydrogen + oxygen.
• Oxygen Use in Reforming: The oxygen is utilised in natural gas reforming, improving efficiency.
• Air for Nitrogen Supply: Nitrogen is separated from the air as in conventional processes.
• Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS): Captures CO₂ emissions from natural gas reforming.
• The result → Ammonia (NH₃) with significantly lower emissions and reduced cost compared to standalone blue or green methods.

How is Blue-Green Ammonia Greener and Cheaper?

• Greener:
  • 63% reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions compared to traditional methods.
  • Lower dependence on fossil fuels compared to blue ammonia.
  • Efficient integration of CCS + renewables reduces methane leakage and CO₂ emissions.
• Cheaper:
  • 7% lower LCOA (levelised cost of ammonia) than standalone blue or green projects.
  • Hybrid plants optimise the use of electrolysers and natural gas, reducing renewable intermittency risks.
  • Less capital-intensive than fully green ammonia, which requires large-scale renewable infrastructure.
    

Significance for India

• Fertiliser Security: India is the world’s second-largest consumer of fertilisers, importing large amounts of ammonia/urea. Decarbonising this sector will cut costs and emissions.
• Energy Transition: Ammonia is being explored as a hydrogen carrier for exports to Japan and the EU.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): Targets 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of hydrogen production by 2030. Blue-green ammonia could play a bridging role.
• Shipping Sector: Ammonia as a low-carbon marine fuel can support India’s green shipping goals.
  

Challenges

• CCS infrastructure is limited in India. Most projects are at pilot scale.
• High upfront cost of electrolysers and CCS units.
• Policy gaps: Lack of clear carbon pricing, subsidies, and market incentives.
• Global competition: Countries like Japan, South Korea, and the EU are already advancing in low-carbon ammonia imports and standards.
  

Way Forward

• Policy Integration: Incorporate blue-green ammonia into the Green Hydrogen Mission and Fertiliser Mission.
• R&D Support: Encourage industry-academia collaboration for hybrid ammonia plant designs.
• Carbon Capture Hubs: Link CCS projects to fertiliser plants and refineries.
• Export Strategy: Develop India as a low-carbon ammonia exporter for global clean energy markets.
• Financial Incentives: Create carbon credit schemes and subsidies for hybrid ammonia adoption.
  

Conclusion

Blue-Green Ammonia represents a pragmatic transition pathway for India and the world. While full reliance on green ammonia is the ultimate goal, the hybrid model provides a cost-effective bridge that aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat, fertiliser security, and climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. With targeted policies, CCS infrastructure, and global partnerships, India can emerge as a key player in the low-carbon ammonia economy.

Mains Question

1. Discuss the significance of Blue-Green Ammonia in India’s transition towards clean energy. How does it balance cost, sustainability, and strategic energy security?