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Liquid Sunshine
Article

Liquid Sunshine

Ammonia made from sun, air and water could turn Australia into a renewable energy superpower.

Robert F. Service
Science, 2018
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Editorial Rating

7

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  • Innovative
  • Scientific
  • Applicable

Recommendation

What does ammonia have to do with reducing carbon emissions and averting climate crisis? Plenty, according to a new report by Robert F. Service. Australian researchers are eyeing liquid ammonia as a way to export wind and solar energy to places that can use it. Although progress is needed to improve economics and output, the innovations are drawing attention in Australia and around the world. This article would interest anyone looking for the “next big thing” related to public policy and investment in the global energy transition.

Summary

Liquid ammonia offers promise as a strategy for storing and transporting renewable energy.

Australia has plenty of space, wind and sun for producing renewable electricity, but a relatively small market for energy. Researchers looking for a strategy to make this renewable energy portable are working to develop a reverse fuel cell that uses renewable electricity to produce ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen and water. Liquid ammonia can then be transported to other countries for use in power plants or to make hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles.

About the Author

Robert F. Service is a writer for Science magazine who specializes in chemistry and materials science.

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