Recovered Ammonia as a Sustainable Energy Carrier: Innovations in Recovery, Combustion, and Fuel Cells

Daniele La Corte, Marina Maddaloni, Reza Vahidzadeh, Marta Domini, Giorgio Bertanza, Samee Ullah Ansari, Matteo Marchionni, Vittorio Tola and Nancy Artioli ()
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Daniele La Corte: Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Territory, Environment and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Marina Maddaloni: Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Territory, Environment and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Reza Vahidzadeh: Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Territory, Environment and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Marta Domini: Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Territory, Environment and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Giorgio Bertanza: Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Territory, Environment and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Samee Ullah Ansari: Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Material Engineering, Cagliari State University, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Matteo Marchionni: Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Material Engineering, Cagliari State University, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Vittorio Tola: Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Material Engineering, Cagliari State University, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Nancy Artioli: Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Territory, Environment and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-46

Abstract: Recovered ammonia, extracted from waste streams such as industrial leachates and organic waste, represents a unique opportunity to harness a sustainable, carbon-free energy resource. This paper focuses on the energy potential of ammonia recovered from waste, emphasizing its role as a critical element in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Integrating recovered ammonia into energy systems enables industries to reduce dependence on conventional ammonia production, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and advance circular economy practices. The study reviews advanced technologies for recovering ammonia from waste, as well as its application in combustion processes and fuel cells. Particular emphasis is placed on optimizing ammonia combustion to minimize nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and on utilizing recovered ammonia in direct ammonia fuel cells and hydrogen generation for fuel cells. Challenges associated with scaling waste recovery technologies and integrating recovered ammonia into existing energy infrastructures are critically examined. By providing an in-depth assessment of the environmental and economic benefits of using recovered ammonia as an energy source, this paper highlights its potential to decarbonize sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation.

Keywords: ammonia recovery; ammonia to energy; waste to energy; wastewater plants; ammonia fuel cells; ammonia combustion; ammonia fuel (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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