The possibility of using ammonia as an energy source has gained new momentum with the development of a catalyst created by Amogy. The company claims that the device can decompose ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen with up to 70% greater efficiency than modern systems currently in use.
This capability allows the process to be used in applications related to maritime transport, power generation, manufacturing, and other sectors that demand high energy consumption.
Founded by four MIT alumni, Amogy plans to commercialize its catalyst and modular systems that integrate fuel cells and engines designed to convert ammonia into energy without combustion. The strategy seeks to eliminate concerns related to the production of carbon dioxide oxides. nitrogensince the equipment does not burn the compound.
— ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW —
Follow CPG on Google Discover and receive up-to-date news about energy, jobs, curiosities, technology, and industry.
Follow on Google
The proposal was also designed to handle operations on a scale equivalent to that of ships and trucks, something highlighted by CEO Seonghoon Woo when discussing the scalability of the technology.
Applications in energy-intensive sectors
The company is focusing its initial initiatives on sectors that operate with high energy demands, such as maritime transport, civil construction, mining, and electricity generation.
Ammonia presents itself as an alternative due to its superior energy density when compared to renewable sources or batteries. To consolidate this movement, Amogy has signed a manufacturing contract with Samsung Heavy Industries and is preparing to supply commercial systems starting next year.
A 1-megawatt pilot project will be implemented in 2026 in the South Korean city of Pohang. According to a company statement, the expectation is to expand the facility to 40 megawatts by 2028 or 2029.
In addition to this step, Amogy reported that it has completed the construction of a research and production center in Houston and has begun pilot implementation of the catalyst in partnership with JGC Holdings Corporation. Woo also reported the existence of dozens of ongoing projects involving multinational corporations.
Advances in ammonia cracking
The ammonia cracking process, which consists of splitting NH3 molecules into nitrogen and hydrogen, always requires high temperatures and intensive energy use.
Large reactors and limited catalytic materials were standard in the operations of the plants responsible for this activity.
However, Amogy claims to have identified new material formulas that allow the catalyst to be miniaturized and operate at lower temperatures, reducing costs and expanding the possibility of deployment in different locations.
According to Woo, the team had to redevelop all the technology, including the catalyst, reformer, and integration with larger systems.
One of the features highlighted by the CEO is that the process does not involve burning ammonia, eliminating the need for pilot fuel and preventing the release of nitrogen gas and CO2. This set of changes allowed the company to build a system with greater flexibility for portable and industrial applications.
Demonstrations and use in equipment
The efficiency of the catalysts was demonstrated by Amogy in demonstrations that began in 2021, with the first ammonia-powered drone.
The catalyst is used to produce hydrogen in an optimized way and, when integrated into fuel cells or hydrogen engines, forms modular systems capable of converting ammonia into energy on different scales.
The company states that this feature makes it possible to meet the consumption demands of clients operating in various sectors.
Woo pointed out that the company is working to enable the decarbonization of industries classified as heavy industries.
The focus includes transportation, chemical production, manufacturing, and sectors dealing with high emissions that need to reduce impacts to meet national targets. The company’s stated perspective is to expand the use of ammonia as a fuel in various energy applications.
Long-term perspectives
Amogy envisions the use of its systems in microgrids and, in the future, in larger-scale networks. Woo’s stated objective is to make ammonia a viable option for energy generation at different scales.
The company sees this process as an opportunity to broaden the reach of the technology and boost the adoption of solutions based on hydrogen produced from the decomposition of ammonia.
link