One of the key factors for the sustenance of eight billion people globally has been agriculture, and that sector, in turn, has been fuelled by fertilisers such as ammonia. However, due to high volumes, ammonia production contributes significantly to carbon emissions.

But this is likely to soon change.

A new study published in scientific journal Joule has revealed a new ground-breaking method to produce ammonia under moderate subsurface conditions. Many believe this could impact the agriculture sector the world over and even reduce carbon emissions.

Ammonia is a critical component of fertilisers and an emerging green fuel. For over a century it was produced by using Haber-Bosch process under high temperature and pressure.

The report claims ammonia can be produced in Earth’s subsurface as it houses similar conditions, in turn offering a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative.

The study’s findings have prompted the creation of Addis Energy, a company aiming to commercialise the process. Speaking to MIT Technology Review, Addis Energy’s CEO Mark Bennett said, “Our technology has the potential to address the dual challenges of food security and climate change by revolutionising ammonia production.”

Ammonia: Key to food systems and clean energy

Ammonia is essential for modern agriculture, with most fertilisers relying on this compound to boost crop yields. However, the current Haber-Bosch process used to produce ammonia is highly energy-intensive, consuming 1-2% of global energy annually and emitting about 1.8% of global carbon dioxide. This dependence on fossil fuels has drawn widespread criticism as industries worldwide now face an increasing pressure to “decarbonise.”

The discovery opens new possibilities for using naturally occurring chemical reactions to produce ammonia at lower energy inputs. The research team demonstrated that nitrogen and hydrogen react with specific minerals to form ammonia, mimicking subsurface geological processes.

The lead researcher, Dr Emily Rhodes, explained, “This method not only replicates natural processes but also provides an opportunity to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of ammonia production.”

Broader applications and industry impact

The implications extend beyond agriculture. Ammonia is also emerging as a clean fuel for sectors like shipping, where its high energy density and zero carbon emissions make it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. This breakthrough could accelerate ammonia’s adoption by addressing one of its major drawbacks: The emissions associated with its production.

The formation of Addis Energy highlights the growing focus on translating scientific discoveries into industrial applications. Bennett noted that the company aims to build pilot facilities to demonstrate the technology’s scalability. “Our priority is to ensure the process is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically competitive with existing methods,” he said.

Challenges ahead

While the technology shows promise, significant challenges remain. Scaling the process from the lab to commercial operations will require substantial investment and validation. Additionally, existing infrastructure tailored to the Haber-Bosch method may need significant adaptations to accommodate this new approach.

Experts also point to the regulatory landscape as a key factor. Any new ammonia production technology must meet strict safety and environmental standards, particularly as the chemical has dual-use applications in agriculture and energy.

A step towards sustainability

This discovery aligns with broader global efforts to reduce industrial emissions and transition to sustainable energy systems. If successful, Addis Energy’s innovation could reshape two major industries — agriculture and shipping — while contributing to climate goals.

Dr Rhodes emphasised the potential impact: “This is a pivotal step toward transforming a vital yet carbon-intensive process into one that aligns with a sustainable future.”

The next decade will determine whether this breakthrough can move from promise to practice, but its potential to drive change is undeniable.

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