Abstract:
Due to the significant carbon footprint associated with conventional ammonia production
methods, there has been a growing interest in electrochemical approaches for ammonia
production. Although initial yield rates were relatively low in conventional electrochemical
methods, a team at Monash University in Australia successfully developed a method
capable of producing ammonia with a higher yield at room temperature with 100% faradic
efficiency. To assess the potential for scaling up this technology, a techno-economic
analysis has been conducted. Assuming a scale of 1 MW for the pilot plant, the NH3
production rate was obtained as 934.64 kg/day. The total capital cost was estimated at
$736,913, the daily operating cost at $1192.80, and the daily income at $977.61.
Consequently, the plant incurred a daily loss of $215.19. Based on these findings, it can
be concluded that the scale-up plant is currently not economically viable. This is primarily
attributed to the present high cost of the electrolyzer stack and renewable energy.
However, there is a promising trend of decreasing costs for electrolyzers and renewable
energy. If this trend continues, there is potential for the scale-up plant to become a viable
option in the future.
