Ammonia
A Fuel for the Future
Ammonia is a stable chemical compound, produced mainly for crop nutrition in support of our global food supply. One of the most produced inorganic chemicals worldwide, ammonia has been safely produced for more than 100 years.
Low-carbon ammonia, or blue ammonia, is a production method that produces up to 95% fewer carbon emissions than traditional ammonia production. In the proposed Project YaREN, the carbon captured will be transported and stored in a geologic formation in South Texas.
Understanding Ammonia
Ammonia is a molecule that is naturally present in our environment in different forms. It is found in the air, soil and water, and in plants and animals, including humans. Ammonia is also produced on an industrial scale for various applications that are essential for our everyday life. For example, it helps dye fabrics and color textiles, and it is used in pharmaceuticals to create certain medicines. Today, 80% of the ammonia produced globally is used for crop nutrition to support our global food supply.
Ammonia is a key ingredient in many everyday items, including pain relievers like Tylenol®, antibiotics like amoxicillin, diesel exhaust fluid like AdBlue®, lifesaving insulin, vitamins, and beauty products. It is also an important ingredient used to keep items cool in industrial refrigeration.
In its natural state, ammonia is a colorless gas. However, it can transform into a liquid when exposed to cold temperatures.
Ammonia Production Process
Project YaREN will produce blue ammonia, a low-carbon form of ammonia that emits up to 95% less carbon compared to traditional production methods by including carbon capture and storage. The production process can be viewed in the video below.
Types of Ammonia
Today, ammonia is color-coded by the carbon intensity of production methods. Carbon intensity is the amount of carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide, emitted into the atmosphere during production. The lower the carbon intensity, the more environmentally friendly the production method is.
Gray Ammonia
Highest carbon intensity and most common. Uses hydrogen made from fossil fuels, mostly natural gas, and releases CO2 during production.
Blue Ammonia
Produces up to 95% fewer carbon emissions than gray. Uses hydrogen made the same way as gray, but blue includes the process of carbon capture and storage (CCS), significantly reducing emissions.
Green Ammonia
Net-zero carbon intensity. Uses hydrogen produced by splitting water molecules with renewable electricity. Green is in the initial stages of development.
We are here to answer your questions.
We know you have questions and concerns about the proposed project. We’re here to listen and provide all of our stakeholders with the insights and answers they need to better understand the scope, benefits, and impact of this project. View frequently asked questions and answers on a variety of topics.