Lessons for renewable hydrogen deployment

Learn from Ambient Fuels’ educational series

Click to explore episodes of the Great Green Upgrade, a renewable hydrogen podcast from Ambient Fuels.

Renewable hydrogen developer (and AEA member) Ambient Fuels launched the Great Green Upgrade podcast this year, where CEO Jacob Susman interviews key stakeholders from around the industry.

The series addresses many real-world topics, including electrolyzer technology choice, siting, storing, and piping green hydrogen, and industrial uses of hydrogen in hard-to-abate industries such as ammonia fertilizer and petroleum refining. Guests include industry pioneers and organisations such as Burns & McDonnell, the Stanford Hydrogen Initiative, the Center for Houston’s Future, and LSB Industries.

In the first episode, Jacob spoke with Mark Behrman, CEO of LSB Industries, about the role of low carbon and zero carbon ammonia production in reaching net zero goals. LSB’s goal is to be a leading producer of low carbon ammonia products that feed, power, and support the world. Getting the “green flywheel” spinning for the renewable hydrogen and ammonia industry has proven challenging to date, but the right combination of incentives will see it gain momentum.

Critical new demand markets: co-firing and marine fuel

All interviewed guests identified a similar set of emerging markets. As sources of low carbon ammonia develop, new markets are opening up in power generation (co-firing in coal plants), cargo shipping (replacing bunker fuels), and as a “suitcase molecule” for hydrogen transportation. Co-firing in particular is a here-and-now option: we know the technology works, and the emissions savings are real.

Low-carbon ammonia is also emerging as a promising alternative fuel for cargo ships, offering a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport. The International Maritime Organization, which sets rules for global cargo shipping, recently issued interim guidelines for ammonia fuel (due to be approved next month). The first ammonia-powered ships are expected to hit the seas and begin operating in 2026.

The benefits of using low carbon ammonia for cargo ships are significant. Ammonia’s high energy density compared to hydrogen makes it particularly practical for storage and long-distance maritime transport. It can be stored as a liquid under moderate pressure or low temperature, making it relatively easy to handle within existing maritime infrastructure. This advantage translates into fewer refueling stops and more efficient long voyages.

Establishing a robust supply chain for low carbon ammonia is crucial for its adoption in these markets. Ports will need to develop ammonia bunkering facilities, similar to those used for traditional marine fuels. This infrastructure development involves constructing storage tanks, refueling stations, and implementing safety protocols to handle ammonia safely.

Hear more in New Orleans

Emily Wolf, Senior Director of Development at Ambient Fuels (and current member of the Ammonia Energy Association’s board of directors, will offer her insights and expertise as she moderates the “Deploying Electrolytic Hydrogen for Ammonia Plants: Lessons Learned” breakout session at the Ammonia Energy Association conference in New Orleans next week. Hear from Topsoe, ABB, Nel, Enaex, Casale and others as the speakers explore projects in-development, deployed and operational, and what lessons we can carry forward into the further deployment of renewable hydrogen and ammonia.