Path forward to restart UK ammonia production
The UK could rebuild its ammonia production capacity and reach at least 1.1Mt per year by 2036, says the UK Ammonia Alliance (UKAA).
Its Low-carbon Ammonia Roadmap combines domestic production with imported low-carbon ‘green’ ammonia, targeting uses in fertilisers, shipping, power generation and hydrogen supply.
The roadmap sets out a phased approach. Between 2026 and 2029, small-scale domestic production would restart alongside imports of low-carbon ammonia.
Production would then rise to around 0.5Mt per year between 2030 and 2035, supported by greater import and storage capacity.
Low-carbon ammonia can be made using renewable energy, carbon capture and storage or nuclear power, with reduced emissions compared to conventional fossil fuel-based production. Initially, it could replace grey ammonia in fertilisers and chemicals, before it is more widely adopted as a marine fuel, for flexible power generation, and as a way of transporting and storing hydrogen.
The UKAA estimates that the sector could attract up to £1.52bln in private investment by 2036, and support more than 5,500 long-term and construction jobs.
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