Power-to-Heat (P2H) is a concept that involves converting excess electricity generated from renewable energy sources into heat. This process helps in utilizing excess renewable energy more efficiently while providing a solution for heating and hot water needs in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. In recent years, there have been significant advances in P2H technology. Here are some of the key developments:

1. Improved heat storage systems: Advances in thermal storage systems, such as the development of phase change materials (PCMs), have improved the efficiency and capacity of storing excess heat generated from P2H systems. This has made it easier to store and release heat when needed, ensuring a more stable and reliable supply of heating and hot water.
2. Integration with district heating networks: P2H systems are being increasingly integrated with existing district heating networks, enabling a more efficient distribution of heat generated from renewable energy sources. This approach helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of heating systems and provides a cost-effective solution for supplying heat to a large number of consumers.
3. Electrolysis-based heating systems: The development of high-temperature electrolysis technology has enabled P2H systems to directly produce heat from excess renewable electricity. By using this method, electricity is converted into heat through a process called “Joule heating,” which occurs when an electric current passes through a resistive material. This technology offers a more efficient and direct way to convert electricity into heat.
4. Hybrid heat pump systems: The integration of P2H systems with heat pump technology has led to the development of hybrid heat pump systems. These systems can switch between P2H and heat pump modes depending on the availability of excess renewable electricity. This approach enables the efficient use of renewable electricity while reducing dependency on fossil fuels for heating.
5. Advanced control systems and IoT integration: The implementation of advanced control systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) has allowed for better monitoring, control, and optimization of P2H systems. This has made it possible to intelligently manage and distribute heat based on real-time data, improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the system.
6. Modular P2H solutions: Advances in the design and manufacturing of P2H systems have led to the development of modular solutions that can be easily scaled up or down based on the specific needs of a given application. This flexibility makes it easier to implement P2H systems in various settings, from small-scale residential installations to large-scale industrial applications.

These advances in P2H technology are enabling more efficient and effective utilization of excess renewable electricity, which contributes to the global transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon energy future.

Ammonia (NH3) is a highly-produced inorganic chemical with a global output of 235 million tons in 2021. With the growing global population, it’s projected that the demand for ammonia will increase to 350 million tons annually by 2050. Most of the ammonia produced worldwide is used in fertilizer production, accounting for over 80% of the total production. Ammonia also has a range of other applications, including as a refrigerant gas, in water purification, and in the textile industry. However, there is a growing interest in producing ammonia from green sources to meet the net-zero challenges in the fertilizer industry by 2050, as the current reliance on methane, a fossil fuel, is a major concern.

The majority of ammonia is produced through the Haber-Bosch process, which has been in use for over a century.

The majority of ammonia is produced through the Haber-Bosch process, which has been in use for over a century. This process combines nitrogen from air with hydrogen from steam reforming to create ammonia at high pressure and temperature. While the Haber-Bosch process has been crucial in boosting the world’s population through increased food production, it also has significant environmental drawbacks, including high greenhouse gas emissions (2.16 kg of carbon dioxide per 1 kg of ammonia) and energy usage of 30 GJ per 1-tonne ammonia. Moreover, integrating the process with renewable energy sources is challenging.

One promising approach is the electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction (NRR).

Researchers worldwide are seeking alternative methods to produce ammonia sustainably by connecting the reaction to renewable energy sources. One promising approach is the electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction (NRR). In this method, researchers use a Li+-mediated electrochemical cell to reduce N2 to lithium nitride and then use a proton shuttle molecule to produce ammonia. Despite some advances in ammonia production using NRR, the challenge of achieving high yield rates and stable operation over a reasonable time frame remained for decades.

a recent breakthrough came from a research team headed by Professor Doug MacFarlane at Monash University in Australia

However, a recent breakthrough came from a research team headed by Professor Doug MacFarlane at Monash University in Australia, who discovered a way to produce ammonia at room temperature, at high rates and efficiencies, using an electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) with phosphonium salt as a proton carrier. The team initially achieved reasonable progress with a Pt on Ti-mesh anode, Cu cathode, and LiBF4 electrolyte and reported a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 78%. And as the latest advancement, the team succeeded to achieve significant progress by reporting 100% faradaic efficiency with a Ni wire cathode and NTf2- electrolyte with ethanol as the proton carrier.

The Monash process marks a significant step towards the Power-to-x movement, connecting global key chemical processes with renewable energy. This development is almost as important as the Haber-Bosch process, which changed the course of history by helping with ammunition production during World War I and later preventing mass starvation and increasing the world population.

The chemical industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, and it’s crucial to find ways to reduce its impact on the environment. The good news is, there is a solution, and it’s called electrification. Electrification refers to the process of using electricity as the primary energy source instead of fossil fuels, and it has the potential to revolutionize the chemical industry and achieve sustainability goals.

In a recent report by MIT News, it was highlighted that electrification could play a crucial role in decarbonizing the chemical industry. This is because electricity is a clean, renewable energy source that can be used to produce chemical products that are currently made from fossil fuels. For example, the process of producing hydrogen, a key component in many chemical products, can be done using electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar.

Electrification can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the production of chemicals. The current production process of many chemicals releases a significant amount of CO2 into the atmosphere, but with electrification, these emissions can be reduced or eliminated. This will not only help reduce the carbon footprint of the chemical industry but also contribute to the global effort to fight climate change.

Another advantage of electrification is that it can improve the efficiency of chemical production processes. This can lead to cost savings for chemical companies, which can then be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices. Additionally, electrification can create new job opportunities in the renewable energy sector, which will help to boost local economies.

In conclusion, electrification is the key to decarbonizing the chemical industry and achieving sustainability goals. By using clean, renewable energy to power chemical production processes, the industry can reduce its carbon footprint, improve efficiency, and create new job opportunities. It’s time for the chemical industry to embrace electrification and take a step towards a sustainable future.

Read more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2542435122006055?dgcid=author

As the world strives for a more sustainable future, the shipping industry is looking for ways to reduce its environmental impact. One promising solution is green ammonia, a clean and renewable fuel that offers numerous benefits for the shipping industry and the environment. In this article, we will explore the advantages of green ammonia as a shipping fuel and the challenges that must be overcome in order to fully realize its potential.

What is Green Ammonia?

Green ammonia is a form of ammonia produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power. Unlike traditional ammonia, which is produced from natural gas, green ammonia offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the global challenge of climate change.

The production of green ammonia involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current, and then combining the hydrogen with nitrogen from the air to produce ammonia. The resulting product can be used as a fuel for shipping, as well as in the production of fertilizers and other chemicals.

Advantages of Green Ammonia as a Shipping Fuel

One of the key advantages of green ammonia as a shipping fuel is its low emissions profile. When burned, green ammonia produces only nitrogen and water vapor, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels such as diesel and heavy fuel oil. This can help to reduce the shipping industry’s impact on air quality and public health, and contribute to the global effort to address climate change.

Another important advantage of green ammonia is its energy efficiency. It has a high energy density, making it a valuable tool for reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and increasing energy security. This can help to reduce the vulnerability of shipping systems to disruptions caused by factors such as supply chain interruptions and price fluctuations.

In addition to its environmental and security benefits, green ammonia also offers economic benefits. The production of green ammonia is becoming increasingly cost-competitive with traditional ammonia production methods, and the growth of renewable energy sources is helping to reduce the cost of production even further.

Challenges of Green Ammonia as a Shipping Fuel

Despite the many advantages of green ammonia as a shipping fuel, there are still some challenges that must be addressed in order to fully realize its potential. For example, the infrastructure for producing and distributing green ammonia is still in its early stages, and there is a need for investment in research and development to improve the efficiency of the production process.

Another challenge is the need for large amounts of renewable energy to produce green ammonia, as the energy requirements for the electrolysis process are significant. However, as renewable energy sources become more widespread, this challenge is expected to decrease.

There is also a need for collaboration and investment from governments, industry, and civil society in order to build the necessary infrastructure for the widespread adoption of green ammonia as a shipping fuel. This includes the development of regulations, standards, and safety measures to ensure the safe and responsible use of this fuel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, green ammonia is a promising solution for reducing emissions and increasing energy security in the shipping industry. With its low emissions profile, high energy density, and cost-competitiveness, it has the potential to revolutionize the industry and play a major role in the transition to a low-carbon future. By overcoming the challenges associated with its production and distribution, green ammonia can help to create a more sustainable and secure future for shipping systems around the world.

As the world strives for a sustainable and low-carbon future, green ammonia is emerging as a promising solution for transport fuel security. This article will explore the benefits of green ammonia as a transport fuel, its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the challenges that must be overcome in order to realize its full potential.

What is Green Ammonia?

Green ammonia is a sustainable form of ammonia produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power. Unlike traditional ammonia, which is produced from natural gas, green ammonia offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the global challenge of climate change.

The production of green ammonia involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current, and then combining the hydrogen with nitrogen from the air to produce ammonia. The resulting product can be used as a fuel for transportation, as well as in the production of fertilizers and other chemicals.

Advantages of Green Ammonia as a Transport Fuel

One of the key advantages of green ammonia as a transport fuel is its high energy density, making it a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels for transportation purposes. It can be used to power ships, planes, and trucks, reducing the need for oil and other fossil fuels, and thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Another important advantage of green ammonia is its versatility. It can be easily stored and transported, making it a valuable tool for reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and increasing energy security. This can help to reduce the vulnerability of transportation systems to disruptions caused by factors such as supply chain interruptions and price fluctuations.

In addition to its environmental and security benefits, green ammonia also offers economic benefits. The production of green ammonia is becoming increasingly cost-competitive with traditional ammonia production methods, and the growth of renewable energy sources is helping to reduce the cost of production even further.

Challenges of Green Ammonia as a Transport Fuel

Despite the many advantages of green ammonia as a transport fuel, there are still some challenges that must be addressed in order to fully realize its potential. For example, the infrastructure for producing and distributing green ammonia is still in its early stages, and there is a need for investment in research and development to improve the efficiency of the production process.

Another challenge is the need for large amounts of renewable energy to produce green ammonia, as the energy requirements for the electrolysis process are significant. However, as renewable energy sources become more widespread, this challenge is expected to decrease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, green ammonia is a promising solution for addressing the challenge of transport fuel security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With its high energy density and versatility, it has the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry and play a major role in the transition to a low-carbon future. By overcoming the challenges associated with its production and distribution, green ammonia can help to create a more sustainable and secure future for transportation systems around the world.

Green ammonia is a sustainable form of ammonia that is produced through the electrolysis of water, using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power. Unlike traditional ammonia, which is produced from natural gas, green ammonia has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making it an attractive option for addressing the global challenge of climate change.

The production of green ammonia involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current and then combining the green hydrogen with nitrogen from the air to produce ammonia. The resulting product can be used as a fuel for transportation, as well as in the production of fertilizers and other chemicals.

One of the key benefits of green ammonia is its high energy density, making it a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels for transportation purposes. It can be used to power ships, planes, and trucks, reducing the need for oil and other fossil fuels, and thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Another important benefit of green ammonia is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of applications, including as a refrigerant, a fuel for power generation, and as a feedstock for the production of other chemicals. This makes it a valuable tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across a range of industries.

In addition to its environmental benefits, green ammonia also offers economic benefits. The production of green ammonia is becoming increasingly cost-competitive with traditional ammonia production methods, and the growth of renewable energy sources is helping to reduce the cost of production even further.

Despite the many advantages of green ammonia, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed in order to fully realize its potential. For example, the infrastructure for producing and distributing green ammonia is still in its early stages, and there is a need for investment in research and development to improve the efficiency of the production process.

In conclusion, green ammonia is a promising solution for addressing the challenge of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With its high energy density and versatility, it has the potential to revolutionize the energy industry and play a major role in the transition to a low-carbon future.

Dimethyl ether (DME) is a renewable liquid or gaseous transport fuel of non-biological origin (RNFBO) that can be produced from captured CO2 using Power-to-X technologies. DME can be used as a diesel fuel replacement with minor engine modifications and has the potential to reduce air pollution compared to conventional petrodiesel. The EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) requires that the production of CO2-derived DME and its use as a fuel result in carbon emissions at least 70% lower than the petrodiesel alternative in order to be eligible for support. This study compares the carbon footprint of producing and using DME as a transport fuel via the SEDMES process with the carbon footprint of producing and using fossil-based petrodiesel. The results show that the cradle-to-grave carbon footprint of using DME as a transport fuel is 77% lower than for petrodiesel when offshore wind power is used for hydrogen synthesis and DME production. If renewable energy is also used for CO2 capture and waste heat is used for DME production and purification, the DME carbon footprint has the potential to be over 90% lower than that of the fossil-fuel comparator.

Read More: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frsus.2022.1057190/full?utm_source=S-TWT&utm_medium=SNET&utm_campaign=ECO_FSUSTAIN_XXXXXXXX_auto-dlvrit

Image Source: Front. Sustain., 29 November 2022
Sec. Sustainable Chemical Process Design
https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2022.1057190