Sustainable ammonia production from unused biomass: Green hydrogen generation and supply chain optimization in South Korea

Abstract

This study presents a large-scale green-loop hydrogen-ammonia production process utilizing waste biogas and unused lignocellulosic biomass to enhance sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The system integrates air separation, autothermal reforming, carbon capture and storage, chemical looping, and the Haber-Bosch process, ensuring both environmental benefits and economic feasibility. A mixed-integer linear programming model, combined with geographical information system data, optimizes biomass transportation, minimizing costs and ensuring a stable feedstock supply. Economic analysis estimates annual costs between 935 million USD and 1254 million USD, with potential additional benefits from carbon reduction incentives. The levelized cost of ammonia is calculated at 1.11 USD/kg NH3, highlighting the competitiveness of the proposed process. The environmental assessment indicates a 95.3 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional ammonia production methods. These results underscore the feasibility of a green-loop hydrogen-ammonia process as a viable alternative to fossil-based ammonia production, supporting carbon neutrality goals and fostering a more sustainable chemical industry. © 2025 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC