In a bold move to shape the UK’s energy future, a coalition of 12 organisations has urged the government to explicitly integrate low-carbon ammonia into the nation’s Hydrogen Strategy. The open letter, addressed to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, underscores ammonia’s pivotal role in decarbonising energy-intensive sectors, supporting maritime transport, and bolstering the UK’s energy security.
The signatories, representing a broad spectrum of industries including energy, transport, and manufacturing, argue that acknowledging ammonia’s contribution is not just beneficial but essential for the UK to meet its climate ambitions, maintain global competitiveness, and secure leadership in clean technologies. The diverse group includes the British Compressed Gas Association, British Ports Association, Ceramics UK, Energy Intensive Users Group, Future Humber, Hydrogen Energy Association, Hydrogen Scotland, Hydrogen South West, Hydrogen UK, Society of Maritime Industries, UK Ammonia Alliance, and UK Major Ports Group.
The letter identifies four key areas where low-carbon ammonia can deliver significant benefits. Firstly, it can decarbonise existing industrial applications, replacing fossil-based ammonia in sectors such as chemicals, refrigeration, explosives, textiles, and water treatment. Secondly, it can revolutionise the fertiliser and agriculture sector by replacing fossil-based ammonia. Thirdly, ammonia’s role in maritime transport is underscored, with shipping companies already investing in dual-fuel and ammonia-ready vessels. Lastly, ammonia’s storable and transportable nature makes it ideal for low-carbon peaking power generation, enabling renewable power to be moved from areas of surplus to where it is most needed.
The organisations call on the government to ensure the revised Hydrogen Strategy sets out ammonia’s role both in the short and long term. “The United Kingdom stands at a crossroads for industrial competitiveness,” the letter states. “Energy-intensive industry and transport are central to our national strengths, and the choices made today will determine whether these sectors can deliver a sustainable, affordable future for UK citizens.”
The leaders also stress the importance of ammonia for delivering on hydrogen promises. “As leading associations, representing energy, transport, and industry, we believe hydrogen will be vital in future-proofing key sectors of the global economy. We also advocate for consideration of the role of ammonia in helping to deliver the strategic goals associated with hydrogen.”
This call to action could significantly shape the development of the UK’s energy sector. By integrating low-carbon ammonia into the Hydrogen Strategy, the UK could accelerate the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries, enhance its energy security, and position itself as a leader in clean technologies. The move could also spur investment and innovation in ammonia-related technologies, further driving the transition to a sustainable energy future. The ball is now in the government’s court to respond to this industry-led initiative and chart a course for a greener, more secure energy landscape.