The project has the potential to significantly impact the world on a scientific, climate, economic, social and political level. Sustainable and versatile small-scale ammonia production 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 solved. The VERGE project has taken the first step to address these challenges.
With a positive result from an inter-laboratory study using 15N isotope labelling, the scientific results from VERGE are pioneering the global field of eNRR. This was accomplished through careful research and development of the main components of an electrochemical cell; from theoretical catalysis, experimental catalyst synthesis, membrane development, GDE preparation and electrocell construction to operando electrochemical and ammonia quantification methodology and reproducibility in experiments. The reaction rate, current efficiency and operational time will be improved further beyond the project lifetime.
The production costs are determined by investment costs for the electrolyzer and can be reduced significantly with further catalyst and process development. Choices on power conversion technologies were proposed and designed with emphasis on flexibility. The release of ammonia from the ammonium sulphate solution needs to be further developed and optimized. Further development of the convertor is required to ensure efficient intermittent operations and optimization of the ammonia separation to produce liquid anhydrous ammonia.
A fully verified system-level assessment of electrochemical ammonia production under specific conditions went beyond the state of the art. The analysis demonstrated the potential for improved environmental performance compared to conventional Haber–Bosch pathways. The integrated hotspot, sensitivity, and benchmarking approach provided actionable guidance for system design, siting, and operation that is rarely available at this stage of technology development. Overall, the results reduce uncertainty, de-risk scale-up decisions, and support informed pathways toward demonstration and market uptake. For technological transition and market uptake, further funding is needed to ensure optimization of process parameters, regulatory framework and permit pathway definition for small scale ammonia production. Market carbon emission trading system and government incentives for sustainable fertilizer and fuels will further support process market uptake. 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 it will bring to the ammonia economy.
