In a bid to revolutionize the global energy and agricultural sectors, the Eastern Cape region of South Africa is poised to house the world's most extensive green ammonia facility. The plant, located in Nelson Mandela Bay, has the potential to transform vast tracts of land into a hub for sustainable energy.
Historically, ammonia, a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, has played an integral role in agriculture. Before scientists synthesized ammonia in the 1910s, guano, excrement from bats and birds, served as the principal fertilizer. Industrial-scale production of ammonia has allowed for agricultural expansion, contributing to almost half of the world's food production today, according to a University of Manitoba study.
In addition to its use in agriculture, ammonia plays a crucial role in the production of explosives for mining, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products. Currently, fossil fuels predominantly power its production, accounting for 1.8% of global CO2 emissions. The introduction of renewable energy in the production process could significantly reduce carbon emissions, making "green" ammonia a viable alternative for agricultural production and more.
According to CNN, one significant potential use is in the shipping sector as a fuel that could help achieve decarbonization. This is the primary focus of the Mandela Bay facility. Hive Energy Africa's Managing Director, Colin Loubser, notes, "It'll start replacing heavy fuel oils on ships and diesel. That will become the fuel of the future, particularly in the maritime industry."
The "green" process involves the use of water, air, and renewable energy to create ammonia. The $4.6 billion plant, which is projected to start operations in 2026, will leverage solar energy and seawater desalinated by a local table salt factory. The project is expected to create at least 20,000 jobs in the region.
The potential for green ammonia extends to existing coal-fired power plants, where it could be used to significantly lower CO2 emissions or in plants specifically designed to run entirely on ammonia. However, challenges such as the pungent, toxic nature of ammonia and the underdevelopment of systems designed to utilize it, like ship engines, pose hurdles.
Despite these challenges, green ammonia's market prospects look promising. Precedence Research reports that the market, which was valued at $36 million in 2021, is expected to balloon to $5.4 billion by 2030. This places South Africa and the ambitious Mandela Bay project at the forefront of this emerging industry.
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theater actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
Business & Policies ,
South Africa to Host World’s Largest Green Ammonia Plant
by : Samira Tasneem | Published: August 6, 2023
South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Bay is set to house the largest green ammonia facility, aiming to revolutionize energy and agriculture sectors globally.
In a bid to revolutionize the global energy and agricultural sectors, the Eastern Cape region of South Africa is poised to house the world's most extensive green ammonia facility. The plant, located in Nelson Mandela Bay, has the potential to transform vast tracts of land into a hub for sustainable energy.
Historically, ammonia, a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, has played an integral role in agriculture. Before scientists synthesized ammonia in the 1910s, guano, excrement from bats and birds, served as the principal fertilizer. Industrial-scale production of ammonia has allowed for agricultural expansion, contributing to almost half of the world's food production today, according to a University of Manitoba study.
In addition to its use in agriculture, ammonia plays a crucial role in the production of explosives for mining, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products. Currently, fossil fuels predominantly power its production, accounting for 1.8% of global CO2 emissions. The introduction of renewable energy in the production process could significantly reduce carbon emissions, making "green" ammonia a viable alternative for agricultural production and more.
According to CNN, one significant potential use is in the shipping sector as a fuel that could help achieve decarbonization. This is the primary focus of the Mandela Bay facility. Hive Energy Africa's Managing Director, Colin Loubser, notes, "It'll start replacing heavy fuel oils on ships and diesel. That will become the fuel of the future, particularly in the maritime industry."
The potential for green ammonia extends to existing coal-fired power plants, where it could be used to significantly lower CO2 emissions or in plants specifically designed to run entirely on ammonia. However, challenges such as the pungent, toxic nature of ammonia and the underdevelopment of systems designed to utilize it, like ship engines, pose hurdles.
Despite these challenges, green ammonia's market prospects look promising. Precedence Research reports that the market, which was valued at $36 million in 2021, is expected to balloon to $5.4 billion by 2030. This places South Africa and the ambitious Mandela Bay project at the forefront of this emerging industry.
More inspiring green news similar to this:
Samira Tasneem
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theater actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
Quick Links
Green Living Guides
Green Jobs
Inspiring Green News
Green Directory
Green Store
Electronics Recycling