Canadian technology is revolutionizing the way crop farmers produce fertilizer, potentially reducing their largest input cost. Ontario-based startup FuelPositive (FP) has developed a containerized system that uses air, water, and electricity to produce pure ammonia. When renewable energy is used, the process has minimal environmental impact, making it a sustainable solution for farmers.
The system consists of four parts: a nitrogen generator to extract nitrogen from the air, a water electrolyser to produce hydrogen from water, a patent-pending ammonia synthesis converter to produce green ammonia, and ammonia storage. The system is designed to be automatic but can also be managed remotely.
By giving crop producers control over producing nitrogen fertilizer, FP CEO Ian Clifford believes it represents a dramatic shift towards more control over their farm businesses. This allows farmers to avoid volatility and price increases associated with purchasing ammonia from external sources. In fact, the interest in on-farm fertilizer production has been so high that global inquiries have surpassed 600.
Apart from its use as fertilizer, green ammonia can also be utilized as a fuel for internal combustion engines on the farm, powering grain drying systems, and for heating/cooling purposes. It can even be used for water purification and sanitization.
FP has announced the construction of a full-sized demonstration project on a farm in Manitoba, which will be powered by Manitoba’s carbon-free electricity grid and a 200-kW solar array. This project is supported by a CAD $300,000 provincial grant and is set to be operational by March 31. The company is also working on developing an international standard of accreditation and guidelines for using green ammonia, particularly in Manitoba.
The environmental impact of ammonia production is significant, with over 200 million tonnes of traditional ammonia manufactured each year. This process generates over 420 million tonnes of CO2 annually. However, on-farm production of green ammonia eliminates the need for transportation and significantly reduces emissions. Additionally, green ammonia provides efficient transfer of nitrogen to plants with minimal nitrous oxide emissions compared to other fertilizers.
FuelPositive has conducted extensive testing and validation of its system’s gas composition and purity. The company acquired the technology from Prof. Ibrahim Dincer at Ontario Tech University, a renowned scientist in the green hydrogen and green ammonia space. FP is also working closely with Prof. Mario Tenuta at the University of Manitoba to mitigate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
The company has received inquiries from various sectors beyond agriculture, prompting the development of a phased rollout strategy. The base unit of the system has a capacity of 100 tonnes per year, enough to fertilize approximately 2,000 acres. The cost of the system varies based on farm particulars, including access to green electricity and the size and configuration of the optimal system for output.
Overall, FP’s innovative technology has the potential to disrupt the agriculture sector by providing farmers with a sustainable and cost-effective solution for producing their own fertilizer. With the increasing global interest in green ammonia, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.