The InterGAmP – Interdisciplinary Approach to Decentralized and Decarbonized Electrochemical Green Ammonia Production project focuses on developing distributed and decarbonized electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis, as opposed to centralized, carbon-intensive Haber-Bosch synthesis, using an interdisciplinary methodology. Two different technologies will be developed at laboratory scale: low- and high-temperature electrocatalytic ammonia (eNH3) synthesis, combined with atomistic simulations using Density Functional Theory (DFT). A key contribution of this work, termed the technology layer, is the development of optimal and stable cathode materials for nitrate-to-ammonia conversion, as well as high-temperature, all-ceramic, proton-conducting electrochemical devices for direct ammonia synthesis from nitrogen. Importantly, the laboratory-scale results will serve as the foundation for the next level—the energy system—by providing relevant input data such as materials, reaction conditions, kinetics, and plant equilibrium. Here, energy system models will be developed for the two electrocatalytic routes, as well as for a Haber-Bosch plant, to understand the life-cycle costs and emissions of the different ammonia routes based on technology, application, and geography. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis will be performed to determine the breakpoints of the electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis, in order to inform performance targets at laboratory scale—that is, a feedback loop. Finally, a regulatory layer will complement the study with an analysis of the legal framework potentially applicable to the technologies proposed at InterGAmP.
