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NOx emissions from burning ammonia can be reduced to nearly zero when using selective catalytic reduction systems

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems can effectively reduce NOx emissions from burning ammonia to nearly zero by employing a catalyst to facilitate a reaction between NOx and a reducing agent, usually ammonia or urea.1 This reaction converts the NOx into nitrogen (N₂) and water (H₂O). SCR systems can reduce NOx emissions by over 90%.2 SCR systems are widely used for many types of engines, and some international companies have already begun developing SCR systems specifically for ammonia-powered shipping vessels.3

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Footnotes​

  1. Vignesh, R., & Ashok, B. (2022). Selective catalytic reduction for NOx reduction. In NOx Emission Control Technologies in Stationary and Automotive Internal Combustion Engines (pp. 285-317). Elsevier. ↩

  2. Ibid. ↩

  3. Atchison, J. (2024, January 16). Selective Catalytic Reduction for marine ammonia engines. Ammonia Energy Association. https://ammoniaenergy.org/articles/selective-catalytic-reduction-for-marine-ammonia-engines/ ↩