Design of a decarbonized ammonia production unit via electrolysis

Abstract

In response to the decarbonization challenges facing the chemical industry, green ammonia has emerged as a promising solution for reducing emissions associated with conventional ammonia production. This project investigates the integration of renewable hydrogen into an existing Haber–Bosch ammonia synthesis unit located in Arzew, supplied by a hybrid photovoltaic-wind renewable energy system installed at the Laghouat South-West site and connected through the Algerian power grid. An hourly Power-to-Ammonia simulation model was developed to represent renewable electricity generation, water electrolysis, hydrogen storage, and ammonia production over a full year. Four configurations combining PEM and Alkaline electrolyzer technologies with capacities of 20 MW and 50 MW were evaluated. Technical performance was assessed through hydrogen and ammonia production, capacity factor, storage behavior, and process availability. A techno-economic assessment based on CAPEX, OPEX, Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH), and Levelized Cost of Ammonia (LCOA) was then conducted to identify the most suitable configuration for the progressive integration of green hydrogen into the Algerian ammonia industry.