Assessing the feasibility of Ammonia utilization for Power generation: A techno-economic-environmental study

Abstract

This study examines the techno-economic and environmental implications of utilizing green and blue ammonia for Singapore's future power plants. Two approaches are considered: cracking ammonia to produce hydrogen for power generation and directly using ammonia as a fuel. The analysis begins with a conceptual design of an ammonia cracking plant, followed by an economic assessment comparing the levelized costs of ammonia-to‑hydrogen conversion with those of direct ammonia utilization. Finally, the study evaluates greenhouse gas emissions and carbon abatement costs for each approach.

Our study reveals several noteworthy insights. Economically, direct ammonia utilization as a fuel for power plants is preferable to hydrogen production through ammonia cracking due to the high capital and operational costs associated with the cracking process. Environmentally, green ammonia—whether used directly or cracked into hydrogen—demonstrates an almost zero-emission profile. However, caution is warranted for ammonia derived from coal gasification, as its cracking could yield emissions higher than Singapore's current grid levels. Regarding carbon abatement costs, direct use of green ammonia emerges as the most cost-effective option. Additionally, blue ammonia from steam methane reforming serves as a practical transitional solution, supporting the shift to sustainable green ammonia as costs decrease and the necessary infrastructure is further developed in the future.