[Jeon Seung-min's Science World] Eco-friendly Society, Why Focus on 'Ammonia'

[Asia Economy] Everyone has probably experienced holding their nose when going to the bathroom. The cause of this unpleasant smell is ‘ammonia.’ Recently, ammonia has been receiving significant attention in the energy industry. Why is ammonia suddenly in the spotlight? It is because environmental issues have started to gain prominence. First, it is easy to convert ammonia into ‘hydrogen,’ which is considered the ultimate eco-friendly energy. The chemical formula of ammonia is NH3, meaning one nitrogen (N) atom is bonded to three hydrogen (H) atoms. In other words, by removing one nitrogen atom, it can be directly converted into hydrogen.

Hydrogen is not easy to produce and store. To transport hydrogen by car or ship, ultra-high-pressure tanks capable of withstanding 350 to 700 bar (350 to 700 times atmospheric pressure) are required. Naturally, this is very costly. Even if such tanks are made, storing large amounts is difficult. This is why hydrogen vehicles have limited driving ranges.

However, ammonia has a storage capacity per unit volume that is 1.5 to 2 times greater than hydrogen. This means it can compensate for hydrogen’s shortcomings in large-scale storage and long-distance transportation. A major advantage is that the existing ammonia storage and transportation infrastructure used in chemical plants can be utilized as is during distribution. Overseas transportation is also convenient; most liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers currently in operation can also transport ammonia. In contrast, hydrogen requires specially built transport ships, and even then, the transport volume is 50% lower. Ignoring ammonia in the hydrogen distribution process is foolish.

Ammonia itself is a very clean fuel. It produces no carbon dioxide when completely combusted. With minor modifications to existing internal combustion engines in ships or cars, it can be used immediately as fuel. As global warming accelerates, some shipping companies, which must operate their vessels for decades, are even saying, ‘Ammonia is the only alternative.’

Ammonia is a new-concept energy source that deserves the attention of the entire industry, both for preparing for the distant future and for addressing immediate environmental issues. This is why active research and development and encouraging corporate participation must begin right now.

Jeon Seung-min, Science and Technology Specialist Writer

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.