Study Demonstrates Electrolysis Method of Producing Synthetic Ammonia

A Washington State University study showed that synthetic ammonia for fertilizer could be produced cost-effectively using water or steam electrolysis. Researchers say the methods could be particularly suited to small-scale operations and being powered by renewable energy. The researchers tested both a water hydrolysis and a solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) that uses steam for a simplified, renewable ammonia production process. Production costs for both methods were comparable to conventional, fossil-fuel-based ammonia production. Researchers say the simplicity of the process and modularity of components mean that it is especially suitable to local production, which they say could start taking place on large farms and at the community level as early as 2024.
Related ATTRA Resource: Toolkit: How to Reduce Synthetic Fertilizer Use