Comparison and Application Prospects of Ammonia and Methanol Technologies Supporting Large-Scale Development of Green Hydrogen Energy

Abstract

[Introduction] Difficulties in storage and transportation impose restrictions on the large-scale development and utilization of hydrogen energy, so it is necessary to find a solution for large-scale hydrogen storage and long-distance transportation at a low cost. [Method] Ammonia and methanol were widely used in the industry, and both of them could be produced from hydrogen and could be decomposed into hydrogen by cracking reactions. Thus, they could be used as the storage and transportation media for hydrogen energy in the form of chemicals. [Result] The production and utilization technologies of ammonia and methanol are relatively mature, and both green ammonia and green methanol can be produced from green hydrogen. However, as there are few related engineering projects settled in China, it is necessary to promote the further development of technology and the demonstration of engineering projects. [Conclusion] With the progress of "carbon peak and neutrality" developing in depth, hydrogen, as a technology with dual properties of industrial raw material and fuel, will play an important part in promoting energy-saving and carbon reduction. Ammonia and methanol, as mature technologies with complete industry chains and clear advantages for storage and transportation, are expected to become important pathways for hydrogen storage and transportation. Therefore, the development of ammonia and methanol technologies based on green hydrogen is expected to promote the development of the hydrogen energy industry and help China achieve the "carbon peak and neutrality" goals.

Keywords

• hydrogen energy
• energy storage
• methanol
• green ammonia
• carbon peak and neutrality goals
• carbon capture