Ammonia from Hydrogen: A Viable Pathway to Sustainable Transportation?

Gaydaa AlZohbi ()
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Gaydaa AlZohbi: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-34

Abstract: Addressing the critical need for sustainable, high-density hydrogen (H 2 ) carriers to decarbonize the global energy landscape, this paper presents a comprehensive critical review of ammonia’s pivotal role in the energy transition, with a specific focus on its application in the transportation sector. While H 2 is recognized as a future fuel, its storage and distribution challenges necessitate alternative vectors. Ammonia (NH 3 ), with its compelling advantages including high volumetric H 2 density, established global infrastructure, and potential for near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, emerges as a leading candidate. This review uniquely synthesizes the evolving landscape of sustainable NH 3 production pathways (e.g., green NH 3 from renewable electricity) with a systematic analysis of technological advancements to investigate its direct utilization as a transportation fuel. The paper critically examines the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with NH 3 -fueled vehicles, refueling infrastructure development, and comprehensive safety considerations, alongside their environmental and economic implications. By providing a consolidated, forward-looking perspective on this complex energy vector, this paper offers crucial insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, highlighting NH 3 ’s transformative potential to accelerate the decarbonization of hard-to-abate transportation sectors and contribute significantly to a sustainable energy future.

Keywords: Ammonia; fuel cells; transportation sector; H 2 carrier; decarbonization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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