TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules – Future Pathways
Hydrogen (green and blue); Ammonia; Methanol
Forum 14 | Hall 10 - SAUDI ENERGY Technical Programme 3
13
October
09:30
10:45
UTC+3
This forum will explore the evolving landscape of hydrogen production, focusing on green (renewable) and blue (low-carbon) hydrogen technologies. It will delve into the role of ammonia and methanol as hydrogen carriers and their applications in energy storage, transportation, and industrial processes. The session will also cover the latest advancements in production methods, infrastructure development, and the integration of these fuels into existing energy systems. Participants will gain insights into the economic, environmental, and technological aspects of these key components in the transition to a lower carbon energy future.
Methanol, a key clean energy carrier, is a fundamental component in various industrial applications, including fuel, solvent, and chemical production. The conversion of CO2 to methanol has become a crucial strategy in the effort to transition to a low-carbon energy future. This paper examines two primary routes for methanol production: the direct CO2-to-methanol process and the indirect process, where CO2 is first converted to CO through a water gas shift reactor. The study compares the efficiency, economic feasibility, and environmental impact of both processes. It highlights how the direct methanol synthesis process is more favorable in terms of environmental benefits and financial efficiency due to lower capital investment and a quicker payback period. On the other hand, while the indirect method results in slightly higher profitability, it involves higher investment costs. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing CO2 conversion to methanol in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy systems.
Keywords: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Direct methanol synthesis, Environmental impact, Methanol production, Techno-economic analysis.
Keywords: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Direct methanol synthesis, Environmental impact, Methanol production, Techno-economic analysis.
The primary challenge inherent in the current energy system is its substantial environmental footprint, largely attributable to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. In recent decades, there has been extensive exploration into utilization of hydrogen as a clean energy. Hydrogen could account for up to 12% of global energy by 2050. However, to make it economically feasible, there must be a significant reduction in the production costs associated with both renewable electricity generation and electrolysis.
Another key hurdle in hydrogen technologies is the effective storage and transport of hydrogen, which boasts a very high energy density by mass (119.7 MJ/kg) and very low energy density per unit volume (33.2MK/kg in compressed form at 40 MPa or 8.5 MJ/kg in liquefied form at -253°C). A recent development in this realm is the consideration of ammonia as a viable hydrogen carrier. Ammonia boasts a high hydrogen content by weight (17.8%) and is capable of liquefying at low pressure, 1 bar at -33 °C. This strategic approach capitalizes on existing, dependable infrastructure that can be readily expanded to accommodate the burgeoning market demand. More than 100 MTPA of Ammonia is expected to be traded via ships by 2050.
KBR has a long history as a market leader in ammonia technology. Built on a legacy of technology innovation and industry records, KBR’s Ammonia Cracking technology, H2ACT®, delivers a pathway to large scale, sustainable hydrogen production, with efficiency and high technology readiness at the heart of the process. H2ACT® is built using proven, reliable technology elements and process operations from the ammonia production industry, capable of providing a record single-train capacity of 1,200 MTPD of clean hydrogen.
Selecting the most suitable catalyst is pivotal to advancing ammonia cracking technology. KBR has an agnostic approach for selection of catalyst for H2ACT® technology. The approach focuses on a comprehensive catalyst evaluation framework that ensures optimal performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Catalyst candidates are required to be screened through a combination of thermodynamic and kinetic modelling to predict their behaviour under varying operating conditions. Subsequently, critical parameters such as ammonia conversion efficiency, hydrogen purity, thermal stability, and resistance to deactivation over extended runs has to be evaluated. Selection criteria are grounded in achieving high catalytic activity at lower temperatures, minimal pressure drop, robustness against sintering and poisoning. Process optimization is carried out using detailed simulation tools that integrate catalyst performance data to fine-tune reactor design and operating conditions. This integrated strategy enables the selection of a catalyst that suits best to KBR’s H2ACT® technology.
This paper presents the details of KBR catalysts selection roadmap to ensure the most suitable catalyst for KBR’s ammonia cracking technology, H2ACT®.
Another key hurdle in hydrogen technologies is the effective storage and transport of hydrogen, which boasts a very high energy density by mass (119.7 MJ/kg) and very low energy density per unit volume (33.2MK/kg in compressed form at 40 MPa or 8.5 MJ/kg in liquefied form at -253°C). A recent development in this realm is the consideration of ammonia as a viable hydrogen carrier. Ammonia boasts a high hydrogen content by weight (17.8%) and is capable of liquefying at low pressure, 1 bar at -33 °C. This strategic approach capitalizes on existing, dependable infrastructure that can be readily expanded to accommodate the burgeoning market demand. More than 100 MTPA of Ammonia is expected to be traded via ships by 2050.
KBR has a long history as a market leader in ammonia technology. Built on a legacy of technology innovation and industry records, KBR’s Ammonia Cracking technology, H2ACT®, delivers a pathway to large scale, sustainable hydrogen production, with efficiency and high technology readiness at the heart of the process. H2ACT® is built using proven, reliable technology elements and process operations from the ammonia production industry, capable of providing a record single-train capacity of 1,200 MTPD of clean hydrogen.
Selecting the most suitable catalyst is pivotal to advancing ammonia cracking technology. KBR has an agnostic approach for selection of catalyst for H2ACT® technology. The approach focuses on a comprehensive catalyst evaluation framework that ensures optimal performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Catalyst candidates are required to be screened through a combination of thermodynamic and kinetic modelling to predict their behaviour under varying operating conditions. Subsequently, critical parameters such as ammonia conversion efficiency, hydrogen purity, thermal stability, and resistance to deactivation over extended runs has to be evaluated. Selection criteria are grounded in achieving high catalytic activity at lower temperatures, minimal pressure drop, robustness against sintering and poisoning. Process optimization is carried out using detailed simulation tools that integrate catalyst performance data to fine-tune reactor design and operating conditions. This integrated strategy enables the selection of a catalyst that suits best to KBR’s H2ACT® technology.
This paper presents the details of KBR catalysts selection roadmap to ensure the most suitable catalyst for KBR’s ammonia cracking technology, H2ACT®.
Daulet Zhakupov
Chair
Acting Director, Department of Alternative Energy
KMG Engineering LLP
Kazakhstan
Geoffrey Ellis
Vice Chair
Research Geologist & Project Chief
U.S. Geological Survey
United States of America
The primary challenge inherent in the current energy system is its substantial environmental footprint, largely attributable to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. In recent decades, there has been extensive exploration into utilization of hydrogen as a clean energy. Hydrogen could account for up to 12% of global energy by 2050. However, to make it economically feasible, there must be a significant reduction in the production costs associated with both renewable electricity generation and electrolysis.
Another key hurdle in hydrogen technologies is the effective storage and transport of hydrogen, which boasts a very high energy density by mass (119.7 MJ/kg) and very low energy density per unit volume (33.2MK/kg in compressed form at 40 MPa or 8.5 MJ/kg in liquefied form at -253°C). A recent development in this realm is the consideration of ammonia as a viable hydrogen carrier. Ammonia boasts a high hydrogen content by weight (17.8%) and is capable of liquefying at low pressure, 1 bar at -33 °C. This strategic approach capitalizes on existing, dependable infrastructure that can be readily expanded to accommodate the burgeoning market demand. More than 100 MTPA of Ammonia is expected to be traded via ships by 2050.
KBR has a long history as a market leader in ammonia technology. Built on a legacy of technology innovation and industry records, KBR’s Ammonia Cracking technology, H2ACT®, delivers a pathway to large scale, sustainable hydrogen production, with efficiency and high technology readiness at the heart of the process. H2ACT® is built using proven, reliable technology elements and process operations from the ammonia production industry, capable of providing a record single-train capacity of 1,200 MTPD of clean hydrogen.
Selecting the most suitable catalyst is pivotal to advancing ammonia cracking technology. KBR has an agnostic approach for selection of catalyst for H2ACT® technology. The approach focuses on a comprehensive catalyst evaluation framework that ensures optimal performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Catalyst candidates are required to be screened through a combination of thermodynamic and kinetic modelling to predict their behaviour under varying operating conditions. Subsequently, critical parameters such as ammonia conversion efficiency, hydrogen purity, thermal stability, and resistance to deactivation over extended runs has to be evaluated. Selection criteria are grounded in achieving high catalytic activity at lower temperatures, minimal pressure drop, robustness against sintering and poisoning. Process optimization is carried out using detailed simulation tools that integrate catalyst performance data to fine-tune reactor design and operating conditions. This integrated strategy enables the selection of a catalyst that suits best to KBR’s H2ACT® technology.
This paper presents the details of KBR catalysts selection roadmap to ensure the most suitable catalyst for KBR’s ammonia cracking technology, H2ACT®.
Another key hurdle in hydrogen technologies is the effective storage and transport of hydrogen, which boasts a very high energy density by mass (119.7 MJ/kg) and very low energy density per unit volume (33.2MK/kg in compressed form at 40 MPa or 8.5 MJ/kg in liquefied form at -253°C). A recent development in this realm is the consideration of ammonia as a viable hydrogen carrier. Ammonia boasts a high hydrogen content by weight (17.8%) and is capable of liquefying at low pressure, 1 bar at -33 °C. This strategic approach capitalizes on existing, dependable infrastructure that can be readily expanded to accommodate the burgeoning market demand. More than 100 MTPA of Ammonia is expected to be traded via ships by 2050.
KBR has a long history as a market leader in ammonia technology. Built on a legacy of technology innovation and industry records, KBR’s Ammonia Cracking technology, H2ACT®, delivers a pathway to large scale, sustainable hydrogen production, with efficiency and high technology readiness at the heart of the process. H2ACT® is built using proven, reliable technology elements and process operations from the ammonia production industry, capable of providing a record single-train capacity of 1,200 MTPD of clean hydrogen.
Selecting the most suitable catalyst is pivotal to advancing ammonia cracking technology. KBR has an agnostic approach for selection of catalyst for H2ACT® technology. The approach focuses on a comprehensive catalyst evaluation framework that ensures optimal performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Catalyst candidates are required to be screened through a combination of thermodynamic and kinetic modelling to predict their behaviour under varying operating conditions. Subsequently, critical parameters such as ammonia conversion efficiency, hydrogen purity, thermal stability, and resistance to deactivation over extended runs has to be evaluated. Selection criteria are grounded in achieving high catalytic activity at lower temperatures, minimal pressure drop, robustness against sintering and poisoning. Process optimization is carried out using detailed simulation tools that integrate catalyst performance data to fine-tune reactor design and operating conditions. This integrated strategy enables the selection of a catalyst that suits best to KBR’s H2ACT® technology.
This paper presents the details of KBR catalysts selection roadmap to ensure the most suitable catalyst for KBR’s ammonia cracking technology, H2ACT®.
Fatemeh Haghighatjoo
Speaker
Researcher in Chemical Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University
Methanol, a key clean energy carrier, is a fundamental component in various industrial applications, including fuel, solvent, and chemical production. The conversion of CO2 to methanol has become a crucial strategy in the effort to transition to a low-carbon energy future. This paper examines two primary routes for methanol production: the direct CO2-to-methanol process and the indirect process, where CO2 is first converted to CO through a water gas shift reactor. The study compares the efficiency, economic feasibility, and environmental impact of both processes. It highlights how the direct methanol synthesis process is more favorable in terms of environmental benefits and financial efficiency due to lower capital investment and a quicker payback period. On the other hand, while the indirect method results in slightly higher profitability, it involves higher investment costs. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing CO2 conversion to methanol in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy systems.
Keywords: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Direct methanol synthesis, Environmental impact, Methanol production, Techno-economic analysis.
Keywords: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Direct methanol synthesis, Environmental impact, Methanol production, Techno-economic analysis.
