In the quest to decarbonize maritime transport, green ammonia is stepping into the spotlight as a promising alternative fuel. A recent study, published in the journal *Energies* (which translates to “Energies” in English), sheds light on how to optimize the sizing of a wind-powered green ammonia plant to supply maritime fuel, specifically in the Greater Bay Area. The research, led by Yimiao Gu from the Department of Electronic Business at the South China University of Technology, offers a roadmap for integrating green ammonia into the maritime fuel mix.
So, what’s the big deal about green ammonia? Well, it burns without emitting carbon, has a decent energy density, and leverages existing logistics infrastructure better than some other alternatives. But here’s the catch: we need a solid framework to produce and supply this fuel to make it a viable option for large-scale adoption in shipping.
Gu and the research team propose setting up an onshore wind-powered green ammonia plant along the Gaolan–Yangpu feeder route. This plant would include facilities for PEM electrolysis, nitrogen separation, Haber–Bosch synthesis, and storage. The goal? To find the optimal plant configuration that can keep up with the fuel demands of ammonia-powered vessels.
The team ran hourly simulations based on wind power generation and used a priority-based capacity expansion algorithm to figure out the best setup. They found that to keep a steady supply of ammonia, synchronized with monsoon wind patterns and capable of fueling vessels with 10 MW propulsion systems (which consume around 680 tons of ammonia every two weeks), you’d need:
– A 72 MW onshore wind farm
– A 63 MW PEM electrolyzer
– A 3.6 MW synthesis facility
– 3205 tons of storage
This configuration brings the levelized cost of ammonia (LCOA) to approximately USD 700 per ton. Gu points out that “wind turbines and electrolyzers (including replacement costs) account for over 70% of the total cost.” So, if you’re looking at the bottom line, these are the big-ticket items.
The study also did some sensitivity analysis and found that the prices of wind turbines and electrolyzers are the primary factors affecting ammonia costs. Changes in operational parameters can tweak the final configuration but only cause minor fluctuations in the levelized cost, without significantly altering the overall trend.
So, what does this mean for the maritime industry? Well, it’s a sign that green ammonia is a viable option for decarbonization, but it’s going to take some serious investment in wind power and electrolysis technology. The good news is that as these technologies become more affordable and efficient, the cost of green ammonia is likely to drop, making it an even more attractive option for shipowners looking to go green.
As Gu puts it, “Although variations in operational parameters may significantly alter final configuration, they cause only minor (±1%) fluctuations in the levelized cost without significantly altering its overall trend.” In other words, the path to green ammonia is clear, and the maritime industry would do well to start navigating towards it.
For maritime professionals, this research highlights the potential of green ammonia as a marine fuel and underscores the need for investment in renewable energy infrastructure. It’s a complex puzzle, but with the right pieces in place, a greener future for shipping is within reach. And as the study published in *Energies* shows, the pieces are starting to fall into place.