Recovered Ammonia as a Sustainable Energy Carrier: Innovations in Recovery, Combustion, and Fuel Cells

Recovered ammonia, extracted from waste streams such as industrial leachates
and organic waste, represents a unique opportunity to harness a sustainable, carbon-free
energy resource. This paper focuses on the energy potential of ammonia recovered from
waste, emphasizing its role as a critical element in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Integrating recovered ammonia into energy systems enables industries to reduce
dependence on conventional ammonia production, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and
advance circular economy practices. The study reviews advanced technologies for recovering
ammonia from waste, as well as its application in combustion processes and fuel cells.
Particular emphasis is placed on optimizing ammonia combustion to minimize nitrogen
oxide (NOx) emissions and on utilizing recovered ammonia in direct ammonia fuel cells
and hydrogen generation for fuel cells. Challenges associated with scaling waste recovery
technologies and integrating recovered ammonia into existing energy infrastructures are
critically examined. By providing an in-depth assessment of the environmental and economic
benefits of using recovered ammonia as an energy source, this paper highlights its
potential to decarbonize sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation.