System-wide environmental impact assessment of ammonia installations – limits of the emissions-based approach

Abstract

The article addresses the scope of the emissions approach in the environmental impact assessment of ammonia plants. The authors analyse areas covering both direct emissions and emissions across the entire life cycle (well-to-use/life cycle assessment). They highlight the need for a practical approach to analysis that covers not only the fuel use stage, but also its production, transport and conversion. As indicated by the European Environment Agency, NH₃ emissions are one of the main factors contributing to air pollution in Europe, through the generation of secondary aerosols (PM₂.₅). The production pathways of ammonia, its combustion, and its utilisation pathways in industrial installations were also compared. In summary, it should be noted that ammonia should be viewed not as a single fuel or source of emissions, but as an element of a complex energy-industrial system. An integrated approach to emission limits requires further research and analysis in the field of LCA.