Net-Zero Backup Solutions for Green Ammonia Hubs Based on Hydrogen Power Generation

Markus Strömich-Jenewein, Abdessamad Saidi, Andrea Pivatello and Stefano Mazzoni ()
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Markus Strömich-Jenewein: INNIO Group, 6200 Jenbach, Austria
Abdessamad Saidi: INNIO Group, 6200 Jenbach, Austria
Andrea Pivatello: INNIO Group, 6200 Jenbach, Austria
Stefano Mazzoni: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-21

Abstract: This paper explores cleaner and techno-economically viable solutions to provide electricity, heat, and cooling using green hydrogen (H 2 ) and green ammonia (NH 3 ) across the entire decarbonized value chain. We propose integrating a 100% hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine (e.g., Jenbacher JMS 420) as a stationary backup solution and comparing its performance with other backup technologies. While electrochemical storage systems, or battery energy storage systems (BESSs), offer fast and reliable short-term energy buffering, they lack flexibility in relocation and typically involve higher costs for extended backup durations. Through five case studies, we highlight that renewable-based energy supply requires additional capacity to bridge longer periods of undersupply. Our results indicate that, for cost reasons, battery–electric solutions alone are not economically feasible for long-term backup. Instead, a more effective system combines both battery and hydrogen storage, where batteries address daily fluctuations and hydrogen engines handle seasonal surpluses. Despite lower overall efficiency, gas engines offer favorable investment and operating costs in backup applications with low annual operating hours. Furthermore, the inherent fuel flexibility of combustion engines eventually will allow green ammonia-based backup systems, particularly as advancements in small-scale thermal cracking become commercially available. Future studies will address CO 2 credit recognition, carbon taxes, and regulatory constraints in developing more effective dispatch and master-planning solutions.

Keywords: net-zero roadmap; green ammonia; hydrogen economy; power generation; internal combustion engine (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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