A group of leading businesses has launched the UK Ammonia Alliance (UKAA) to promote the use of low-carbon ammonia in energy, industry, agriculture and transport. The initiative aims to support UK energy security, decarbonisation and economic growth by advancing ammonia technologies and infrastructure.
Ammonia, already widely used in fertilisers and industrial applications, is increasingly recognised as a hydrogen carrier, energy store and low-carbon fuel when produced using renewable energy or carbon capture and storage. The UKAA is calling for government policy support to enable wider adoption and scale-up of low-carbon ammonia solutions.
The Alliance will publish its first policy paper at an event in the UK Parliament in November, outlining key recommendations for realising the UK's ammonia potential. Founding members include AFC Energy, Air Products, Blended Products, Clean Air Power, Exolum, Green Cat Hydrogen, HYCAP, Industrial Chemicals Limited, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, N-Gen Energy and Statkraft.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global ammonia production could increase by nearly 40% by 2050. The UKAA seeks to position the UK to benefit from this growth, leveraging its existing supply chains, research base, industrial expertise, and port infrastructure.
Dr Mike Rendall, CTO of AFC Energy and Chair of UKAA, said:
“Ammonia represents a major opportunity for the UK to accelerate the energy transition while driving industrial growth. By using our compact, decentralised ammonia crackers and ammonia-to-power systems, we plan to supply hydrogen and clean power at scale for industry and transport applications.”
The initiative has received support from international ammonia industry groups including the Ammonia Energy Association and Ammonia Europe, both of which highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in scaling clean ammonia markets.
The UKAA intends to work with industry and government stakeholders to develop the investment, policies and infrastructure needed to expand the use of low-carbon ammonia across sectors.
