Recent research led by Carlo Palazzi from the Oxford Green Ammonia Technology (OXGATE) at the University of Oxford has highlighted a promising avenue for enhancing the UK’s energy resilience through the import of green ammonia. As the demand for long-duration energy storage rises—particularly to manage the seasonal and multi-annual variability of renewable energy—this study presents a compelling case for green ammonia as a viable alternative to domestic hydrogen production.
The analysis indicates that the UK could require between 60 to 100 terawatt-hours (TWh) of hydrogen storage by 2050 to ensure a zero-carbon backup for its renewable energy supply. However, the researchers found that the potential role of green energy imports, specifically green ammonia, had not been thoroughly explored in previous assessments. By employing a global spatially-explicit model, the team estimated the lowest import costs for green ammonia and compared these with the levelized costs of various domestic energy storage scenarios.
The findings suggest that imported green ammonia could serve as a cost-competitive option against traditional domestic hydrogen production and storage methods. Palazzi noted, “Imported green ammonia could offer a cost-comparable alternative to domestic hydrogen production, storage and power generation, whilst increasing energy system resilience through supply diversification.” This diversification is particularly crucial for the UK as it seeks to bolster its energy security amid fluctuating renewable energy outputs.
Furthermore, in regions where geological conditions do not favor low-cost hydrogen storage, green ammonia imports could play an even more pivotal role. This presents a significant commercial opportunity for energy companies looking to expand their portfolios in the green energy sector. The ability to import green ammonia not only enhances energy storage capabilities but also allows for a broader range of suppliers, thereby reducing dependency on any single source.
As the UK continues its journey toward decarbonization, the insights from this research, published in “Environmental Research: Energy,” underscore the importance of exploring innovative solutions like green ammonia. The potential for cost savings and increased energy resilience positions green ammonia as a critical player in the future landscape of energy storage and management.
