%L theses_frw4745
%D 2024
%X The Netherlands is currently situated at a critical point in the energy transition.
Although the energy supply is quickly turning away from fossil fuels, the
infrastructure for this electricity is suffering from growing pains. This thesis
examines the potential of green ammonia as a sustainable energy carrier to support
Dutch industry, with a specific focus on Tata Steel. Green ammonia, produced using
renewable energy, offers a promising solution to the challenges of energy storage
and intermittency that hinder the adoption of renewable energy sources. The
research identifies both enabling and constraining factors for the adoption of green
ammonia through a comprehensive TES-analysis, which is an adaptation on the
PESTEL-analysis model. Key advantages of ammonia include its high energy density
and ease of storage and transport compared to hydrogen. However, challenges such
as production costs, safety concerns, and environmental impacts must be
addressed. The methodology includes policy examination, literature review, and
participant observations, combined with a detailed case study of Tata Steel. Various
scenarios are explored, including the use of 100% ammonia, a combination of
ammonia and electricity, and hydrogen-based alternatives. Technical opportunities
such as advancements in ammonia production technologies and improvements in
safety standards are analyzed alongside economic factors like cost implications
and market readiness. Spatial factors, including the infrastructure required for
ammonia generation and integration into existing industrial processes, are also
considered. This thesis concludes that ammonia is best used for specific uses such
as long-distance hydrogen transport and stockpiling. Ammonia is deemed
economically uncompetitive with hydrogen as it has higher production costs,
meaning its largescale adoption in industry is unlikely.
%A Jildert Dijkstra
%T Clean industry in the Netherlands? Identifying constraining and enabling factors on the adoption of green ammonia as an energy carrier for Dutch industry, Tata steel in particular.