Techno-Economic analysis of centralized and decentralized ammonia cracking for clean hydrogen production

Hasani, Mahsa; Behzadimoghadam, Atefe; Sohani, Ali; Hasani, Elham; Torabi, Farschad

doi:10.22059/ees.2025.2069039.1541

Techno-Economic analysis of centralized and decentralized ammonia cracking for clean hydrogen production

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Mahsa Hasani ¹

Atefe Behzadimoghadam ²

Ali Sohani ³

Elham Hasani ⁴

Farschad Torabi ⁵

¹ School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

³ Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

⁴ Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States

⁵ Battery and Energy Generators Research Lab, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/ees.2025.2069039.1541

Abstract

Ammonia is increasingly recognized as a promising hydrogen carrier in the global shift toward low-carbon energy systems. Its high hydrogen content (17.6% by weight) established global infrastructure, and relatively simple storage and transport requirements make it an attractive alternative to direct hydrogen handling, which remains challenged by energy-intensive compression and liquefaction processes. This study presents a comprehensive techno-economic assessment of centralized and decentralized ammonia cracking systems. The lithium imide catalyst, evaluated in this study, achieves high ammonia conversion at lower operating temperatures compared to traditional ruthenium- and nickel-based catalysts, reducing energy demand and enhancing system compactness, making it particularly suitable for decentralized applications. These findings suggest that decentralized ammonia cracking, supported by next-generation catalysts like lithium imide, offers a more scalable and economically feasible approach for distributed hydrogen production. This research points to deploying distributed, point-of-use ammonia-to-hydrogen micro hubs at ports and industrial clusters as the most practical near-term pathway, leveraging existing ammonia logistics, and it underscores ammonia’s role as the primary carrier for early markets.

Keywords

Hydrogen storage

Hydrogen Carrier

Ammonia cracking

Techno-Economic Analysis

Decentralized Hydrogen Production

Subjects

Energy systems modeling and prediction

[1] Mohsenzadeh-Yazdi H, Ahmadi-Gorjayi F, Mohsenian-Rad H. Sub-Cycle Dynamics Modeling of IBRs Using LSTM Methods and Synchro-waveform Measurements. In: 2024 IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting (PESGM) [Internet]. Seattle, WA, USA: IEEE; 2024 [cited 2025 Aug 15]. p. 1–5. Available from:

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10688441/

[2] Mohsenzadeh-Yazdi H, Li C, Mohsenian-Rad H. IBR Responses During a Real-World System-Wide Disturbance: Synchro-Waveform Data Analysis, Pattern Classification, and Engineering Implications. IEEE Trans Smart Grid. 2025 Jul;16(4):3453–6.

[3] Riahi A, Heggem E, Caccia M, LaDouceur R. Enhancement of CO2 Adsorption Kinetics onto Carbon by Low-Frequency High Amplitude Resonant Vibrations. Carbon Trends. 2024 Jun;15:100361.

[4] Hossein Mahmoodi Darian,Reza Bozorgpour, Maziar Shafaee. Numerical experiments on a hybrid WENO5 filter for shock-capturing. Wiley. 2019;(35):2375–406.

[5] Ahmadi M, Rastgoo S, Mahdavi Z, Nasab MA, Zand M, Sanjeevikumar P, et al. Optimal allocation of EVs parking lots and DG in micro grid using two‐stage GA‐PSO. The Journal of Engineering. 2023 Feb;2023(2):e12237.

[6] Rastgoo S, Mahdavi Z, Azimi Nasab M, Zand M, Padmanaban S. Using an Intelligent Control Method for Electric Vehicle Charging in Microgrids. WEVJ. 2022 Nov 22;13(12):222.

[7] Mahdavi Z, Samavat T, Javanmardi ASJ, Dashtaki MA, Zand M, Nasab MA, et al. Providing a Control System for Charging Electric Vehicles Using ANFIS. Mishra AK, editor. International Transactions on Electrical Energy Systems. 2024 Feb 6;2024:1–19.

[8] Bozorgpour R. A Comprehensive Review on Turbulence Modeling of Ejectors [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Sep 19]. Available from: https://osf.io/n6wgf

[9] Bozorgpour R, Darian HM. Recent Advancements in Fluid Flow Simulation Using the WENO Scheme: A Comprehensive Review. J Nonlinear Math Phys. 2025 Mar 10;32(1):14.

[10] Mohammadagha M, Asadi S, Naeini HK. Evaluating Machine Learning Performance Using Python for Neural Network Models in Urban Transportation in New York City Case Study [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Aug 5]. Available from: https://www.techrxiv.org/users/900508/articles/1277290-evaluating-machine-learning-performance-using-python-for-neural-network-models-in-urban-transportation-in-new-york-city-case-study?commit=a920a7e541f79aafea5239a7b3f6e06d09fb2c81

[11] Mohammadagha M, Naeini HK, Asadi S, Najafi DM, Kaushal DV. MACHINE LEARNING MODEL FOR CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF TRENCHLESS VITRIFIED CLAY PIPES.

[12] Hasani E, Torabi F, SalavatiZadeh A. Electrochemical simulation of lithium-ion batteries: a novel computational approach for optimizing performance. HFE [Internet]. 2024 Nov [cited 2025 Apr 6];11(4). Available from: https://doi.org/10.22104/hfe.2024.7095.1315

[13] Mohsenzadeh-Yazdi H, Ahmadi-Gorjayi F, Mohsenian-Rad H. Data-Driven Modeling of Sub-Cycle Dynamics of Inverter-Based Resources Using Real-World Synchro-Waveform Measurements. IEEE Trans Power Delivery. 2025 Aug;40(4):2314–26.

[14] Riahi A, Muretta J, LaDouceur R. Advancing Co2 Separation and Capture in Post-Combustion Scenarios Using Resonant Vibration Techniques [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Sep 18]. Available from: https://www.ssrn.com/abstract=5138285

[15] Riahi A, LaDouceur R. Optimizing the Physical Properties of Biochar for CO2 Adsorption Using Resonant Vibrations.

[16] Riahi A. PROCESS INTENSIFICATION FOR CARBON SEQUESTRATION BY RESONANT VIBRATORY MIXING.

[17] Elham Hasani; Negar Razzaghi; Farschad Torabi. Design and simulation of thermal management system for lithium-ion batteries of hybrid and electric vehicles. Energy Equipment and Systems. 2025 Jun;Vol. 13, No. 2:115–29.

[18] Jafari A, Afsharfard A. Conceptual design of dynamic vibration absorber for mitigation of subway tracks vibration. 2022;

[19] Soltanifar F, Bahrami A, Sohani A. A green energy-economic optimized solar driven solution for power, methanol, and hydrogen production together. Fuel. 2025 Apr;386:134147.

[20] Aden A, Foust T. Technoeconomic analysis of the dilute sulfuric acid and enzymatic hydrolysis process for the conversion of corn stover to ethanol. Cellulose. 2009 Aug;16(4):535–45.

[21] Schlapbach L, Züttel A. Hydrogen-storage materials for mobile applications. 2001;414.

[22] Mohammadagha M, Najafi M, Kaushal V, Jibreen A. Hybrid Machine Learning Meta-Model for the Condition Assessment of Urban Underground Pipes.

[23] Mohammadagha M, Najafi M, Kaushal V, Jibreen A. Cross-Domain Applications of Machine Learning: A Comparative Case Study from Iris Classification to Infrastructure Assessment.

[24] Navaei RL, Tehrani H. An Integrated Lab on a CD Microfluidic Platform for High-Efficiency Blood Cell Separation and Passive Mixing [Internet]. arXiv; 2025 [cited 2025 Sep 22]. Available from: http://arxiv.org/abs/2507.01977

[25] Lan R, Irvine JTS, Tao S. Ammonia and related chemicals as potential indirect hydrogen storage materials. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2012 Jan;37(2):1482–94.

[26] Valera-Medina A, Xiao H, Owen-Jones M, David WIF, Bowen PJ. Ammonia for power. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science. 2018 Nov;69:63–102.

[27] Navaei RL, Safarzadeh M, Sobhani SMJ. Optimizing Flamelet Generated Manifold Models: A Machine Learning Performance Study [Internet]. arXiv; 2025 [cited 2025 Sep 22]. Available from: http://arxiv.org/abs/2507.01030

[28] Schüth F, Palkovits R, Schlögl R, Su DS. Ammonia as a possible element in an energy infrastructure: catalysts for ammonia decomposition. Energy Environ Sci. 2012;5(4):6278–89.

[29] Niermann M, Beckendorff A, Kaltschmitt M, Bonhoff K. Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) – Assessment based on chemical and economic properties. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2019 Mar;44(13):6631–54.

[30] Hollands AF, Daly H. Modelling the integrated achievement of clean cooking access and climate mitigation goals: An energy systems optimization approach. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2023 Mar;173:113054.

[31] Cechetto V, Di Felice L, Gutierrez Martinez R, Arratibel Plazaola A, Gallucci F. Ultra-pure hydrogen production via ammonia decomposition in a catalytic membrane reactor. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2022 Jun;47(49):21220–30.

[32] MacFarlane DR, Cherepanov PV, Choi J, Suryanto BHR, Hodgetts RY, Bakker JM, et al. A Roadmap to the Ammonia Economy. Joule. 2020 Jun;4(6):1186–205.

[33] Bicer Y, Dincer I. Environmental impact categories of hydrogen and ammonia driven transoceanic maritime vehicles: A comparative evaluation. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2018 Mar;43(9):4583–96.

[34] Sun S, Jiang Q, Zhao D, Cao T, Sha H, Zhang C, et al. Ammonia as hydrogen carrier: Advances in ammonia decomposition catalysts for promising hydrogen production. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2022 Nov;169:112918.

[35] Yao Q, Ding Y, Lu ZH. Noble-metal-free nanocatalysts for hydrogen generation from boron- and nitrogen-based hydrides. Inorg Chem Front. 2020;7(20):3837–74.

[36] Zhang B, Zhao M, He K, Huang J. Hydrogen production via thermal cracking of ammonia using steel fiber catalyst. BioRes. 2025 Apr 24;20(2):4416–31.

[37] Halim I, Zain NS, Khoo HH. Assessing the feasibility of Ammonia utilization for Power generation: A techno-economic-environmental study. Applied Energy. 2025 May;386:125581.

[38] Cherif A, Aregawi Atsbha T, Yoon HJ, Lee CJ. Enabling low-carbon/low-cost electrified ammonia decomposition reaction for hydrogen supply applications: A multi-step assessment approach. Energy Conversion and Management. 2025 Mar;328:119550.

[39] Hallaj SA, Maleki H, Hong JS, Selman JR. Thermal modeling and design considerations of lithium-ion batteries. 1999;

[40] Sohani A. Time-dependent energy, economic, and environmental assessment of a PV-hydrogen integrated power system. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2025 Jul;144:964–76.

[41] Sohani A, Pierro M, Moser D, Cornaro C. Comparison of physical models for bifacial PV power estimation. Energy Conversion and Management. 2025 Mar;327:119515.

[42] Aziz M, Juangsa FB, Irhamna AR, Irsyad AR, Hariana H, Darmawan A. Ammonia utilization technology for thermal power generation: A review. Journal of the Energy Institute. 2023 Dec;111:101365.

[43] El-Shafie M, Kambara S. Recent advances in ammonia synthesis technologies: Toward future zero carbon emissions. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2023 Apr;48(30):11237–73.

[44] Zamfirescu C, Dincer I. Using ammonia as a sustainable fuel. Journal of Power Sources. 2008 Oct;185(1):459–65.

[45] International Energy Agency (IEA). The Future of Hydrogen. International Energy Agency. 2019 Jun;1–203.

[46] Yousefi Rizi H, Shin D. Green Hydrogen Production Technologies from Ammonia Cracking. Energies. 2022 Nov 4;15(21):8246.

[47] Brooker-Davis C, Makepeace J, Wood T. Enhancement of the Catalytic Activity of Lithium Amide towards Ammonia Decomposition by Addition of Transition Metals. jae [Internet]. 2023 Jul 4 [cited 2025 Aug 4];1(1). Available from: https://account.jae.cardiffuniversitypress.org/index.php/uc-j-jae/article/view/11

[48] Makepeace JW, Wood TJ, Hunter HMA, Jones MO, David WIF. Ammonia decomposition catalysis using non-stoichiometric lithium imide. Chem Sci. 2015;6(7):3805–15.

[49] Wysocka I, Hupka J, Rogala A. Catalytic Activity of Nickel and Ruthenium–Nickel Catalysts Supported on SiO2, ZrO2, Al2O3, and MgAl2O4 in a Dry Reforming Process. Catalysts. 2019 Jun 17;9(6):540.

[50] Richard S, Ramirez Santos A, Olivier P, Gallucci F. Techno-economic analysis of ammonia cracking for large scale power generation. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2024 Jun;71:571–87.

[51] Spatolisano E, Pellegrini LA, De Angelis AR, Cattaneo S, Roccaro E. Ammonia as a Carbon-Free Energy Carrier: NH₃ Cracking to H₂. Ind Eng Chem Res. 2023 Jul 19;62(28):10813–27.

[52] Trangwachirachai K, Rouwenhorst K, Lefferts L, Faria Albanese JA. Recent progress on ammonia cracking technologies for scalable hydrogen production. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 2024 Oct;49:100945.

[53] Maher Abu Al-Khair. Renewable Energy Market Analysis – GCC 2019 [Internet]. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); 2019 Mar. Available from: https://www.irena.org/publications

[54] Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Updated energy and emissions projections: 2018 [Internet]. 2019. Available from:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/updated-energy-and-emissions-projections-2018