End-to-end value chain analysis of isolated renewable energy using hydrogen and ammonia energy carrier

Abstract

The long-distance end-to-end value chain of ammonia as an energy carrier was analyzed. Energy losses in every step of the generation, storage, transport, and use of energy carrier are unavoidable. By combining the more efficient sub-process, there is room for improvement of the overall energy efficiency of the value chain. In this study, it was assumed that renewable ammonia can be transported over a long distance from an offshore environment. A detailed analysis of each sub-process and comprehensive analysis of the entire value chain was carried out. As a result of comparative analysis, it was found that the condition of ammonia synthesis, the types of the transport ship, and seawater cooling in the value chain could change the energy last delivered by up to 108%. Specifically, an improvement of up to 20.2% can be achieved by adjusting the operating conditions of the synthesis process and the type of transport ship.