Synthetic nitrogen fixation which involves the production of nitrogen fertilisers from atmospheric nitrogen has revolutionised agriculture allowing for increased food production to meet and support growing global demand. However, it has also led to several significant problems. The production of nitrogen fertilisers is energy-intensive contributing 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually. Regions producing nitrogen fertilisers are politically unstable presenting a sovereign supply risk. Additionally, the production and transport are susceptible to commodity pricing (oil and gas) and can result in environmental and safety risks to local communities.
The production of ammonia is the halfway point to the production of nitrogen fertilisers. Whilst ammonia can be utilised as a fertiliser, its direct use worldwide is limited. The current industrial process that produces ammonia is large and centralized and requires ammonia to be transported to the point-of-use.