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Net-Zero Backup Solutions for Green Ammonia Hubs Based on Hydrogen Power Generation

Author

Listed:
  • Markus Strömich-Jenewein

    (INNIO Group, 6200 Jenbach, Austria)

  • Abdessamad Saidi

    (INNIO Group, 6200 Jenbach, Austria)

  • Andrea Pivatello

    (INNIO Group, 6200 Jenbach, Austria)

  • Stefano Mazzoni

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

This paper explores cleaner and techno-economically viable solutions to provide electricity, heat, and cooling using green hydrogen (H 2 ) and green ammonia (NH 3 ) across the entire decarbonized value chain. We propose integrating a 100% hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine (e.g., Jenbacher JMS 420) as a stationary backup solution and comparing its performance with other backup technologies. While electrochemical storage systems, or battery energy storage systems (BESSs), offer fast and reliable short-term energy buffering, they lack flexibility in relocation and typically involve higher costs for extended backup durations. Through five case studies, we highlight that renewable-based energy supply requires additional capacity to bridge longer periods of undersupply. Our results indicate that, for cost reasons, battery–electric solutions alone are not economically feasible for long-term backup. Instead, a more effective system combines both battery and hydrogen storage, where batteries address daily fluctuations and hydrogen engines handle seasonal surpluses. Despite lower overall efficiency, gas engines offer favorable investment and operating costs in backup applications with low annual operating hours. Furthermore, the inherent fuel flexibility of combustion engines eventually will allow green ammonia-based backup systems, particularly as advancements in small-scale thermal cracking become commercially available. Future studies will address CO 2 credit recognition, carbon taxes, and regulatory constraints in developing more effective dispatch and master-planning solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Markus Strömich-Jenewein & Abdessamad Saidi & Andrea Pivatello & Stefano Mazzoni, 2025. "Net-Zero Backup Solutions for Green Ammonia Hubs Based on Hydrogen Power Generation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-21, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:13:p:3364-:d:1688352
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Purna Chandra Rao & Minyoung Yoon, 2020. "Potential Liquid-Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) Systems: A Review on Recent Progress," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-23, November.
    2. Maciej Chorowski & Michał Lepszy & Krystian Machaj & Ziemowit Malecha & Dominika Porwisiak & Paweł Porwisiak & Zbigniew Rogala & Michał Stanclik, 2023. "Challenges of Application of Green Ammonia as Fuel in Onshore Transportation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-31, June.
    3. Rafael Estevez & Francisco J. López-Tenllado & Laura Aguado-Deblas & Felipa M. Bautista & Antonio A. Romero & Diego Luna, 2023. "Current Research on Green Ammonia (NH 3 ) as a Potential Vector Energy for Power Storage and Engine Fuels: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-33, July.
    4. Farhan Haider Joyo & Andrea Falasco & Daniele Groppi & Adriana Scarlet Sferra & Davide Astiaso Garcia, 2025. "Hydrogen and Ammonia Production and Transportation from Offshore Wind Farms: A Techno-Economic Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-27, April.
    5. Muhammad Aziz & Agung Tri Wijayanta & Asep Bayu Dani Nandiyanto, 2020. "Ammonia as Effective Hydrogen Storage: A Review on Production, Storage and Utilization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-25, June.
    6. Phan Anh Duong & Bo Rim Ryu & Mi Kyoung Song & Hong Van Nguyen & Dong Nam & Hokeun Kang, 2023. "Safety Assessment of the Ammonia Bunkering Process in the Maritime Sector: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-30, May.
    7. Viviana Negro & Michel Noussan & David Chiaramonti, 2023. "The Potential Role of Ammonia for Hydrogen Storage and Transport: A Critical Review of Challenges and Opportunities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-19, August.
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