The global imperative to reduce carbon footprints has spurred increased attention towards alternative fuels, with a particular focus on achieving low-carbon or net zero strategies. In recent years, major international corporations have been unmasking their plans to adopt sustainable energy practices, necessitating the exploration of alternative fuels.
Two contenders in this domain are hydrogen and ammonia, each offering unique advantages and challenges. While hydrogen boasts high energy density, issues such as large storage volumes and limited infrastructure hinder its widespread use. In response, the concept of utilizing ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for transportation and storage is gaining traction, presenting a novel approach to sustainable energy production. Bangladesh, recognizing the need for diversification in energy production, is actively considering the adoption of hydrogen and ammonia as part of its energy portfolio, marking a significant step towards a sustainable future.
The State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, recently emphasized Bangladeshs commitment to exploring hydrogen and ammonia as energy sources during a workshop at Bidyut Bhaban in Dhaka on January 29, 2024.
Ammonias potential as a fuel traces back to the early 1800s when it was employed for internal combustion (IC) engines, experiencing a resurgence during World War II due to oil shortages. Despite this historical usage, comprehensive research on IC and spark ignition engines using ammonia remained limited until the 2010s. However, ammonias role as a marine fuel has seen more profound research since 2007, with industries such as Alfa Laval, Japan Engine Corporation, and MAN Energy planning to incorporate ammonia into their offerings. Notably, advancements in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are overcoming previous limitations, making ammonia a viable fuel option for fuel cells.
Returning to the aspect of presenting it to Bangladesh, the workshop in Dhaka demonstrated insights into the potential of ammonia as an energy carrier. Ammonias use in fuel cells had been constrained by its tendency to dissolve cell membranes. Nevertheless, recent developments in SOFC and PEMFC technologies have demonstrated the viability of using ammonia as a fuel for fuel cells as mentioned earlier. Bloomberg NEFs research highlighted various power generation sources in Bangladesh, emphasizing the countrys progress in onshore and offshore wind power. The focus is not only on expanding renewable energy capacity but also on modernizing transmission and distribution systems, ensuring grid synchronization for uninterrupted power supply at an affordable cost.
Both hydrogen and ammonia play crucial roles in achieving a net-zero economy as they produce no carbon emissions at the point of use. Their versatility allows for production and application in diverse ways, including decarbonizing challenging sectors such as heavy transport, industry, and heat. These fuels, already widely used in industry and agriculture, offer promising solutions for the storage and transport of energy. However, their potential extends beyond current applications, presenting innovative possibilities for sustainable energy solutions.
Hydrogen is an excellent energy source due to its versatility and environmental benefits. As a clean fuel, hydrogen produces no greenhouse gas emissions when used in fuel cells or combustion processes, contributing to a reduction in air pollution and climate change. Its high energy density allows for efficient storage and transportation, making it suitable for various applications, from powering vehicles to industrial processes. Additionally, hydrogen can be produced using renewable sources, such as electrolysis powered by solar or wind energy, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solution for a wide range of sectors.The use of ammonia as an energy carrier and means of transporting hydrogen offers several advantages over traditional methods. Firstly, it proves more energy-efficient for transportation than hydrogen, addressing one of the key challenges associated with hydrogen fuel.
Secondly, ammonia can transport larger amounts of energy over long distances in less space, enhancing its utility for large-scale energy distribution. Thirdly, there is already a well-established global infrastructure for transporting ammonia that is both safe and efficient. The production of green ammonia involves electrolysis of hydrogen from 100% renewable sources, combined with nitrogen extracted from ambient air. This carbon-free process results in a climate-neutral energy carrier, ready for transport to its destination by ship. With existing worldwide infrastructure for ships and port terminals in place, the ammonia can be efficiently delivered. Upon reaching its destination, the ammonia is cracked back into hydrogen and nitrogen, offering a versatile and climate-neutral energy carrier for various industries.
Bangladeshs proactive approach to exploring hydrogen and ammonia as sustainable energy sources reflects a global shift towards cleaner, more efficient alternatives. The integration of these fuels into the national energy portfolio signifies a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing innovative solutions. As the country progresses towards introducing nuclear energy and enhancing its renewable energy capacity, the workshops insights underscore the importance of a diversified energy mix. The potential of hydrogen and ammonia, with their advantages in energy transportation and storage, further positions Bangladesh as a player in the global pursuit of a net-zero economy. The journey towards a sustainable future involves not only embracing emerging technologies but also addressing challenges and collaborating on a global scale to build a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape.
The writer is a Research Associate at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA)
