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Green Fuel Breakthrough: Ammonia Powers Shipping's Future
13 Jul
Summary
- Ammonia offers a dense, storable, and scalable clean fuel for shipping.
- UK and Singapore scientists are advancing direct ammonia fuel cell technology.
- New research bypasses hydrogen cracking, boosting efficiency and lowering costs.
Ammonia is positioned as a key sustainable fuel for shipping and other hard-to-decarbonise sectors due to its energy density and storability.
Unlike hydrogen, ammonia can leverage existing transport networks, providing a strong supply chain foundation. Challenges remain, including the cost of green ammonia and maturing bunkering infrastructure.
However, significant research is underway. A collaborative program between the UK and Singapore, led by Nanyang Technological University Singapore and Imperial Global Singapore, is developing direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cells.
This technology electrochemically converts ammonia without cracking it into hydrogen first. This simplification offers improved efficiency and reduced power costs, advancing the potential for low-carbon shipping.
