Periodic Reporting for period 1 - VERGE (VERSATILE AND DIRECT E-FUEL AND FERTILISER GENERATION FROM RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY)
Reporting period: 2022-11-01 to 2024-04-30
The VERGE technology presented in this proposal will be the first of kind, electrochemical process for sustainable anhydrous ammonia production from renewable electricity. Industrial synthesis of ammonia (Haber-Bosch) for fertiliser applications is responsible for 1% annual anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Furthermore, the future of e-Fuel is strongly directed towards ammonia. In the field of maritime transport, up to 3% of annual anthropogenic GHG emissions can be avoided by moving from fossil fuels to ammonia as energy carrier. Through its contribution towards lower GHG emission, the VERGE technology will significantly contribute towards a faster transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions EU economy by 2050. An additional benefit of the VERGE technology is that it will fully utilise the production potential of renewable electricity infrastructure. The VERGE process will bind otherwise curtailed electricity as valuable ammonia for fertiliser and fuel application and thereby increase the value of wind- and solar-installations by ensuring no electricity is lost. The main objective of the VERGE project is to develop a proof-of-concept N2 electrolyser to produce liquid ammonia for fuel and fertiliser, designed for direct coupling to sustainable energy sources.
The consortium consists of two universities, one technological research institute, one SME and three established companies brings together expertise from all the disciplines needed within this inter-disciplinary project. The consortium collaborates to successfully realize the goal of sustainable synthesis of liquid ammonia at ambient temperature from intermittent electricity sources.
The consortium consists of two universities, one technological research institute, one SME and three established companies brings together expertise from all the disciplines needed within this inter-disciplinary project. The consortium collaborates to successfully realize the goal of sustainable synthesis of liquid ammonia at ambient temperature from intermittent electricity sources.
The scientific part of the project is divided into six WPs that demand collaboration between the consortium members and utilizes the existing expertise to step beyond the state of the art. The work performed and main achievments so far are:
WP1. Fabrication of ZrN GDEs by manual spraycoating successful. Rebuilding of the setup to handle nitric oxide for GDE optimisation in progress. Planar plate model for NRR established, GDE modelling in progress. First self-synthesized membrane samples, further property tweaking in progress. Nitrogen oxidation explored at anode but discarded due to low faradaic efficiency.
WP2. Synthesis of the novel catalysts as planned was successful. Inter-laboratory studies demonstrated no catalysis in GDEs. New catalyst combinations have been made and testing started, simultaneously as deeper studies into the difference between solid electrodes and GDEs are being conducted.
WP3. Theoretical simulation of NRR on proposed catalysts was carried out using DFT calculations that verified experimental results. Screening of more complex chemical compositions was carried out using both DFT and DNN simulations where new catalysts were identified.
WP4. The relevant time scales for operating the VERGE technology coupled with either the electric grid or coupled with renewable electricity sources were analyzed. Dynamic models of the electrolyzer were derived. Choices on power conversion technologies were proposed.
WP5. The plant for binding of ammonia components - out of the moist air-ammonia mixture is already at the partner's premises. TEGA achieved procurement of a dosing station that allows the defined gas mixture to be fed into the reactor. Commissioning will commence by August 2024. The test for concentrating the ammonia will then be started.
WP6. LCA characteristics defined according to ISO methodology. Questionnaires answered and LCI developed. Modelling under process. REA methodology set, Goal & Scope and data collection under process. RF analysis of safety standards, ammonia synthesis-storage-transport completed. Regulations allocation under process (geographical, severity).
WP1. Fabrication of ZrN GDEs by manual spraycoating successful. Rebuilding of the setup to handle nitric oxide for GDE optimisation in progress. Planar plate model for NRR established, GDE modelling in progress. First self-synthesized membrane samples, further property tweaking in progress. Nitrogen oxidation explored at anode but discarded due to low faradaic efficiency.
WP2. Synthesis of the novel catalysts as planned was successful. Inter-laboratory studies demonstrated no catalysis in GDEs. New catalyst combinations have been made and testing started, simultaneously as deeper studies into the difference between solid electrodes and GDEs are being conducted.
WP3. Theoretical simulation of NRR on proposed catalysts was carried out using DFT calculations that verified experimental results. Screening of more complex chemical compositions was carried out using both DFT and DNN simulations where new catalysts were identified.
WP4. The relevant time scales for operating the VERGE technology coupled with either the electric grid or coupled with renewable electricity sources were analyzed. Dynamic models of the electrolyzer were derived. Choices on power conversion technologies were proposed.
WP5. The plant for binding of ammonia components - out of the moist air-ammonia mixture is already at the partner's premises. TEGA achieved procurement of a dosing station that allows the defined gas mixture to be fed into the reactor. Commissioning will commence by August 2024. The test for concentrating the ammonia will then be started.
WP6. LCA characteristics defined according to ISO methodology. Questionnaires answered and LCI developed. Modelling under process. REA methodology set, Goal & Scope and data collection under process. RF analysis of safety standards, ammonia synthesis-storage-transport completed. Regulations allocation under process (geographical, severity).
The project as a whole has the potential to significantly impact the world on a scientific, climate, economic, social and political level. Sustainable and versatile production of ammonia in containerized processes on small scale that can be distributed to all renewable energy producers for local production and use is a disruptive approach. To realize this many scientific and engineering challenges must be addressed. The VERGE consortium is fully equipped to addressing these challenges.
WP1
In depth understanding of GDEs for NRR, and optimization thereof will be a major step for this and other related fields.
Novel anion conductive membranes that do not contain amine groups for ion conductivity are critical for the studies of NRR in aqueous electrolytes or MEA setup. These membranes are a step beyond the state of the art.
WP2
The consortium members are already defining the state of the art of catalyst development for NRR in aqueous electrolytes. From the in-situ electrochemical and ammonia quantification methodology and reproducibility in experiments to catalyst synthesis and electrode preparation. A catalyst that can efficiently reduce nitrogen in the presence of water and produce ammonia will immediately change the global approach to ammonia production.
WP3
This project has allowed the consortium to take novel steps in theoretical catalyst research. Now high throughput studies have been performed of doped oxides, and published both as a scientific article but also filed as a patent. The results are furthermore being used to train a neural network – to efficiently and accurately predict catalytic behaviour of surfaces. This way, novel and complex catalyst combinations can be suggested and tested.
WP4
The result of this preliminary optimization shows the potential of flexible operation to reduce the production cost of ammonia. In the following work, the model and the optimization will be extended. Using a more detailed model, the optimization will account for operating points deviating from full load or turned off. Further, the relevant dynamics in the operation will be included. Similar optimizations will also be conducted for the off-grid case. In this case, the sizing and operation of the plant and the electricity generation are optimized in one step.
WP5
The separation and compression process of low concentration ammonia from wet gas streams is not trivial. The development of this is underway and results to be expected.
WP6.
The results from LCA and regular iteration between this and the process development will ensure implementation and exploitation of a sustainable process, and combination of thorough regulatory framework understanding during development ensures a well mapped path to process construction when ready.
WP7.
Early market approach, networking and communication with all stakeholders will allow for faster decision-making and outreach to relevant industry players and stakeholders. It is important that all stakeholders are aware of the VERGE project and the opportunities that the process in development will bring to the ammonia economy.
WP1
In depth understanding of GDEs for NRR, and optimization thereof will be a major step for this and other related fields.
Novel anion conductive membranes that do not contain amine groups for ion conductivity are critical for the studies of NRR in aqueous electrolytes or MEA setup. These membranes are a step beyond the state of the art.
WP2
The consortium members are already defining the state of the art of catalyst development for NRR in aqueous electrolytes. From the in-situ electrochemical and ammonia quantification methodology and reproducibility in experiments to catalyst synthesis and electrode preparation. A catalyst that can efficiently reduce nitrogen in the presence of water and produce ammonia will immediately change the global approach to ammonia production.
WP3
This project has allowed the consortium to take novel steps in theoretical catalyst research. Now high throughput studies have been performed of doped oxides, and published both as a scientific article but also filed as a patent. The results are furthermore being used to train a neural network – to efficiently and accurately predict catalytic behaviour of surfaces. This way, novel and complex catalyst combinations can be suggested and tested.
WP4
The result of this preliminary optimization shows the potential of flexible operation to reduce the production cost of ammonia. In the following work, the model and the optimization will be extended. Using a more detailed model, the optimization will account for operating points deviating from full load or turned off. Further, the relevant dynamics in the operation will be included. Similar optimizations will also be conducted for the off-grid case. In this case, the sizing and operation of the plant and the electricity generation are optimized in one step.
WP5
The separation and compression process of low concentration ammonia from wet gas streams is not trivial. The development of this is underway and results to be expected.
WP6.
The results from LCA and regular iteration between this and the process development will ensure implementation and exploitation of a sustainable process, and combination of thorough regulatory framework understanding during development ensures a well mapped path to process construction when ready.
WP7.
Early market approach, networking and communication with all stakeholders will allow for faster decision-making and outreach to relevant industry players and stakeholders. It is important that all stakeholders are aware of the VERGE project and the opportunities that the process in development will bring to the ammonia economy.