Leading technologies for ammonia production
The worldwide effort to decarbonize is driving the production of fossil-fuel alternatives. As a CO2-free fuel, ammonia is an attractive option for the chemical, maritime, and energy sectors. Its high volumetric energy density makes it an excellent energy and hydrogen carrier. Fortunately, there is a global ammonia infrastructure in place in the fertilizer sector. The challenge is to scale up production from the current 180 Mtpa to an estimated 600 Mtpa in 2050. MAN Energy Solutions can provide you with all the key technologies necessary for blue and green ammonia production.
A wide range of solutions for blue and green ammonia production
Green ammonia is generated from water electrolysis; blue ammonia is made using natural gas with carbon capture. MAN Energy Solutions offers the equipment you need for both types of ammonia manufacture, including electrolysis, air separation, synthesis, carbon capture, transport, and cracking. The MAN subsidiary Quest One provides electrolysis equipment. MAN DWE® manufactures tailor-made chemical reactors. We provide a full range of different compressor types for processing and transporting natural gas, syngas, air, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. We also lead the field in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS).
Key benefits of our ammonia production solutions
Ammonia's expanding role
Ammonia already plays an important role in agriculture and process industries around the world. Its importance is about to grow exponentially, with key roles in maritime transport, power generation, and as a hydrogen carrier. Our experience in the industry has prepared us to be your trusted partner and support your journey to blue and green ammonia production.
Use of blue and green ammonia
Marine transport
Green ammonia could account for up to 44% of maritime fuel consumption by 2050, requiring additional production of about 200 million metric tons per year. Ammonia has a higher volumetric energy density at moderate temperatures than hydrogen and is therefore moer practical for long-distance shipping. Following successful testing in 2023, we are aiming to launch the world’s first two-stroke dual-fuel ammonia engine in 2026. The MAN B&W engine will meet future market demands for green ship propulsion in newbuild and retrofit applications.
Power generation
As a zero-carbon fuel, ammonia produces no CO2 emissions in combustion, addressing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in difficult-to-decarbonize sectors such as power generation. Ammonia is increasingly being adopted as a fuel for power generation: as a supplemental fuel in coal power plants, for direct use in gas turbines and engines, or with decomposition prior to firing. MAN Energy Solutions is leveraging its experience in the development of two-stroke and four-stroke dual fuel marine engines for use in power generation.
Hydrogen carrier
The global energy transition is driving demand for hydrogen in industrial hubs. However, one of hydrogen’s drawbacks is its low density, which makes it difficult to transport and store. Ammonia can be used as a hydrogen carrier, circumventing the need to liquefy hydrogen for transportation and storage. Green ammonia is a promising hydrogen carrier due to its high hydrogen content relative to its weight, simple liquefaction process, and the existing global infrastructure and international trade.
Product overview
MAN Energy Solutions supplies all the equipment for blue and green ammonia production. From electrolysis to air separation, synthesis, carbon capture, transport, and cracking. Our equipment has demonstrated decades of reliability in the relevant areas and is backed by project expertise and comprehensive service.
Process gas screw compressors
Renowned for quality and high efficiency
RIKT Compressor
The most powerful compressor for air separation applications in its class
MAN DWE® salt bath reactors
Reliable, efficient, and proven technology for high-yield production