Development status and trends of green ammonia terminal storage and transportation technologies for achieving carbon neutrality

Abstract

[Objective] Green ammonia, produced through carbon-free processes, has emerged as a high-quality carrier of hydrogen energy and stands as an alternative energy source vital for achieving carbon neutrality. Therefore, the planning and construction of green ammonia terminals hold crucial significance in facilitating the rapid development of the hydrogen energy industry chain and promoting the green transformation of the societal energy structure. [Methods] In this paper, a concise overview of ammonia's properties and advantages was provided that ammonia, as an efficient medium for energy and hydrogen storage, was able to reduce significantly the costs associated with hydrogen storage, transportation, and consumption, and enhance overall energy security due to its particular characteristics of high energy density, easy storage and transportation, zero carbon emissions at terminals, high safety and long-term storage. Various ammonia hydrogen projects and their trading details in different countries were investigated to analyze the global growth in green ammonia production capacity and demand, and to present a review of the current status of ammonia energy trade and terminal construction. In contrast to established technologies regarding LNG terminals, key processes and technologies involved in green ammonia terminals were elaborated on in this paper, including the technological system for green ammonia storage, liquid ammonia evaporator processing, and ammonia unloading and filling. [Results] This paper emphasized safety concerns associated with green ammonia terminals, specifically addressing the toxicity and potential for combustion-induced explosibility that may arise from liquid ammonia leakage. Additionally, it provided relevant preventive and protective measures. [Conclusion] The research and development of technologies for green ammonia terminals are of great significance for enhancing the utilization of green hydrogen energy in both the chemical fertilizer and energy sectors. The evolving demands of the new era call for a continued expansion of green ammonia terminals in terms of quantity and scale in the future. Furthermore, it is suggested that the renovation of bulk storage and transportation facilities, such as LNG terminals, can be an effective approach to cost reduction.

Keywords

• carbon neutrality
• green hydrogen
• green ammonia
• green energy
• receiving terminal
• receiving process
• liquid ammonia leakage
• hydrogen storage carrier