Nuclear mini-reactors poised for a carbon-free revolution in ammonia production
In a pioneering project, researchers at Utah State University, backed by the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP), are investigating the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) to power low-carbon ammonia plants. This innovative approach seeks to tackle the pressing need to reduce the carbon footprint of the ammonia industry, which plays a pivotal role in the global food supply.
The project's objective is to demonstrate that SMR-powered ammonia plants can operate with zero carbon emissions while maintaining competitive costs. The designs, if successful, could transform a sector that currently relies on natural gas steam reforming for ammonia production, a process accountable for 2% of global fossil energy use and approximately 1.2% of greenhouse gas emissions.
To generate hydrogen, the system employs high-temperature steam electrolysis. This process is vital to the ammonia synthesis, as hydrogen and nitrogen are the primary components of ammonia. The designs, modeled using Aspen Plus to assess energy flows, offer two configurations. One design uses freshwater to supply hydrogen, while the other adapts to seawater or brackish water sources by incorporating desalination.
Co-locating hydrogen and nitrogen production with ammonia synthesis using SMRs enhances efficiency and cuts costs. More than 40% of global hydrogen production goes into ammonia, making this integration a significant stride towards a more sustainable future.
The new designs also integrate the exothermic Haber-Bosch process, further boosting system efficiency. This process, which converts nitrogen and hydrogen into ammonia, is integrated with electrolysis to create a more streamlined and efficient system.
The third configuration proved most productive, with more reactor power feeding electrolysis, delivering the highest ammonia output. The project aims to create two reference designs for carbon-free ammonia plants, both relying on the NuScale SMR, rated at 250 MW thermal and 77 MW electric output, as the core energy source.
By siting these SMRs near consumption centers, transportation emissions can be significantly reduced. This localized production could also make ammonia more accessible and affordable, benefiting farmers and the global food supply.
As populations grow, demand for ammonia is projected to rise. Fertilizers such as urea and ammonium nitrate consume nearly 80% of that ammonia. By decarbonizing this sector, we can help ensure a sustainable food supply for future generations.
This project signifies a substantial advancement in the pursuit of carbon-free ammonia production, a critical step towards a more sustainable global food system. The research group behind this project is not currently identified in the provided search results, but their work promises to have a profound impact on the future of food production and the environment.
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