Green Ammonia Propulsion : Avaada Group’s Project Propels 1 Million Ton
Here’s an article posted in Green Car Congress that addresses Avaasa Group’s mega project on Green Ammonia.
According to the article,
- Avaada Group signed an MoU with the Government of Rajasthan to set up a green ammonia facility and a renewable energy power plant in Kota, Rajasthan.
- The green ammonia facility will have a production capacity of 1 million tons per annum.
- The project aims to provide direct employment opportunities to about 3,500 people and indirect jobs to more than 10,500 people.
- Avaada Group plans to invest around $5 billion in the project
The Avaada Group’s ambitious project to propel the use of green ammonia as a fuel source, aiming for a capacity of 1 million tons, represents a significant advancement in the field of sustainable energy and propulsion technologies. Here’s a deeper dive into the processes involved and the data points surrounding this initiative.
1. Production of Green Ammonia
Green ammonia is produced through a process called electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. The hydrogen is then combined with nitrogen (extracted from the air) using the Haber-Bosch process to form ammonia (NH3).
Specific Data Points:
- Energy Requirement: Electrolysis is energy-intensive, typically requiring about 50 kWh of electricity to produce one kilogram of hydrogen.
- Efficiency: Modern electrolyzers have an efficiency of about 60-80%, and ongoing research aims to increase this to over 85%.
2. Utilization in Propulsion
Ammonia can be used as a marine fuel, combusted directly in engines or fuel cells to power ships. This is particularly relevant as the shipping industry looks for ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
Interesting Statistics:
- CO2 Emissions: Ammonia combustion produces no CO2, offering a significant advantage over fossil fuels. Shipping is responsible for nearly 3% of global CO2 emissions.
- Energy Density: Ammonia has an energy density of about 11.5 MJ/L, which is lower than diesel but still viable for long-range maritime operations.
3. Environmental and Economic Impact
Transitioning to green ammonia can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, promoting environmental sustainability and energy security.
Informative Facts:
- Scalability: The production capacity of green ammonia needs to be scaled massively to meet global demands. Avaada Group’s project is a step in this direction.
- Cost: The current cost of green ammonia is about 2-3 times that of conventional ammonia due to the high cost of renewable energy. However, costs are expected to decline as technologies mature and production scales up.
4. Examples and Global Relevance
Several countries and companies are investing in green ammonia due to its potential to serve as a carbon-free fuel source. For example, in Japan, ammonia is being considered for power generation in thermal power stations.
Examples for Proof:
- Pilot Projects: The Maersk Group has announced plans to operate the world’s first carbon-neutral liner vessel by 2023, running on green ammonia.
- National Initiatives: Australia is investing heavily in green ammonia projects as part of its strategy to become a global leader in hydrogen production.
