Low-carbon ammonia production is essential for resilient and sustainable agriculture

Summary

This analysis examines the global nitrogen-fertiliser supply chain vulnerability and evaluates context-specific low-carbon ammonia production pathways. The authors find significant trade-offs: carbon capture and storage reduces emissions by up to 70% but remains fossil-fuel dependent; electrolytic and biochemical processes achieve near-zero emissions but incur 2–3-fold cost increases and require 100–300 times more land and water than conventional production. The paper argues that decentralised production could enhance agricultural productivity and resilience in the Global South, though policy intervention is essential.

Regional applicability

UK fertiliser policy and agricultural strategy may benefit from understanding these trade-offs, particularly regarding domestic ammonia production capacity and import resilience. However, the paper's emphasis on decentralised production and Global South productivity gains suggests limited direct applicability to UK intensive arable systems, which would likely require alternative pathways or continued reliance on imported low-carbon ammonia.

Key measures

Carbon emissions reductions (%), production costs (relative multiples), land requirements (multiples), water requirements (multiples), transportation emissions, price volatility, import dependency

Outcomes reported

The study analysed global nitrogen-fertiliser supply chains and evaluated trade-offs across low-carbon ammonia production pathways, including emissions reductions, costs, land and water requirements. It assessed potential for decentralised production to improve agricultural resilience and productivity, particularly in the Global South.

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