In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, green ammonia and green hydrogen have emerged as promising contenders. Recent research published by Yoshitsugu Kojima, a scientist at Hiroshima University’s Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, sheds new light on the round-trip efficiencies of these green fuels, potentially reshaping the energy landscape.
Kojima’s study, which delves into the intricacies of water electrolysis and transportation efficiencies, reveals that the voltage at which water is split into hydrogen and oxygen plays a crucial role in determining the overall efficiency of green ammonia and green hydrogen. “The round-trip efficiencies using overseas transportation of green ammonia increased with decreasing water electrolysis voltage,” Kojima explains. This finding is significant because it suggests that optimizing the electrolysis process could lead to substantial improvements in the viability of green ammonia as an energy carrier.
Green ammonia, with its high volumetric energy density of 3530 Wh/L in liquid state, offers a compelling alternative to green hydrogen. The study found that round-trip efficiencies for green ammonia ranged from 23% to 42%, depending on the voltage reduction and the power generation systems used. This variability highlights the importance of tailoring electrolysis processes to specific applications and transportation methods.
For green hydrogen, the story is slightly different. While it boasts round-trip efficiencies ranging from 28% to 52%, its volumetric energy density is significantly lower than that of liquid ammonia. This discrepancy underscores the need for innovative storage and transportation solutions to fully realize the potential of green hydrogen.
The implications of Kojima’s research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, these findings could pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective green fuel production and distribution. Companies investing in green ammonia and green hydrogen technologies stand to benefit from improved efficiencies, potentially leading to reduced operational costs and enhanced competitiveness in the renewable energy market.
Moreover, the study’s insights into the role of water electrolysis voltage could drive advancements in electrolysis technology. Researchers and engineers may focus on developing more efficient electrolysis systems, further boosting the round-trip efficiencies of green fuels. This, in turn, could accelerate the adoption of green ammonia and green hydrogen in various industries, from transportation to power generation.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the quest for sustainable energy solutions has never been more urgent. Kojima’s research, published in Next Energy, offers a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a greener, more efficient energy future. By optimizing the production and transportation of green ammonia and green hydrogen, we can take significant strides towards a sustainable energy ecosystem. The journey is long, but with each scientific breakthrough, we inch closer to a world powered by clean, renewable energy.