In a significant leap for sustainable agriculture, Sydney-based PlasmaLeap has unveiled a groundbreaking method for producing green ammonia, a key ingredient in nitrogen fertilizers, using only electricity, air, and water. This innovative approach allows farmers to generate nitrogen fertilizer directly on their farms, harnessing renewable energy sources and addressing the increasing global demand for both fertilizers and clean energy.
PlasmaLeap’s technology is rooted in Australian research and is designed to mimic the natural process by which lightning fixes nitrogen in the atmosphere. Unlike the traditional Haber-Bosch process, which has dominated ammonia production for over a century, PlasmaLeap’s method operates in a controlled environment, utilizing lightning-like electrical discharges at ambient pressures and temperatures. This process is fully powered by renewable energy, which not only enhances its sustainability but also eliminates the transportation risks associated with conventional fertilizer supply chains.
The company is currently deploying pilot units on farms and industrial sites, allowing farmers to produce fertilizer on-site. To implement this technology, farmers need to have a solar photovoltaic (PV) array or a three-phase grid connection, along with a suitable water source for crop application. PlasmaLeap provides its products as a high-concentration aqueous solution, which can be applied across various cropping operations, including broadacre crops and fertigation systems in controlled environments like greenhouses.
One of the most compelling aspects of PlasmaLeap’s model is its potential to reduce fertilizer costs significantly. Currently, Australia imports nearly all of its nitrogen fertilizers, making the agricultural sector vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations. By enabling localized production of green fertilizer, PlasmaLeap aims to provide farmers with a steady supply that can lead to cost savings of up to 10% compared to traditional fertilizers. Farmers can enter into product off-take agreements, ensuring consistent on-site supply without the need for upfront technology purchases. This could mean annual savings of up to AUS $30,000 (US $19,500) for individual farmers, translating to potential national savings of AUS $400 million (US $260 million) across Australia.
Frere Byrne, CEO and co-founder of PlasmaLeap, emphasizes the transformative potential of their green ammonia production. He notes that ammonia synthesis has relied on fossil fuels for over a century, and PlasmaLeap’s renewable electricity-driven solution could eliminate emissions associated with traditional methods. The company claims production rates of 20 kWh per kg for green ammonia and less than 10 kWh per kg for nitrates, which is competitive when considering the elimination of transportation costs.
The global ammonia market, valued at approximately US $100 billion annually, is expected to grow substantially, reaching US $260 billion by 2050. Currently, ammonia-based fertilizers account for about 70% of this market. PlasmaLeap’s technology not only positions the company to capitalize on this growth but also addresses the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to global net-zero goals.
The company has already completed successful pilot projects, including one at Mountford Berries farm in Tasmania, and plans to expand its technology rollout across Australia and into developing countries like Ethiopia. This expansion aims to enhance food security, stabilize prices for farmers, and mitigate emissions from one of the world’s largest CO2-emitting sectors.
As PlasmaLeap seeks Series A funding to accelerate commercialization, it has garnered interest from various investors, including Australian investment firm Twynam. The firm highlights the environmental impact of the Haber-Bosch process, which consumes 1-2% of the world’s energy supply and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Twynam points out that if the ammonia industry were a country, it would rank as the 16th largest emitter globally. PlasmaLeap’s innovative microreactor technology could potentially reduce carbon emissions by up to 88% compared to traditional methods, offering a viable pathway to overhaul one of the most challenging sectors in terms of sustainability.
With its unique approach to green ammonia production, PlasmaLeap is not only paving the way for more sustainable farming practices but also contributing to a more resilient agricultural sector in Australia and beyond.