Ammonia production today is largely powered by fossil fuels. There is growing interest in producing zero carbon or “green” ammonia using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Green ammonia has
several potential uses that could significantly contribute to the efforts of electric cooperatives to decarbonize
their grids and integrate variable renewable energy. These include transportable energy storage, transport fuel,
and hydrogen carriers.
With nearly $30 million in funding and participation by 20 diverse stakeholders, a new research initiative in
Minnesota is investigating numerous aspects of green ammonia, including production, use, commercialization,
and decarbonization potential. This article reviews the research initiative and discusses how green ammonia offers potential new business models and
synergies with the agricultural industry.
