关键词: "双碳", 氨能, 绿氨, 氢载体, 氨燃料

Abstract: In the context of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality", ammonia has zero-carbon energy properties as well as easier storage and transportation, higher energy density, higher safety and more complete infrastructure than hydrogen. Coupled with advances in ammonia production, storage and transportation and application technologies, as well as its economic competitiveness in the whole industry chain, various countries have been attracted to the development and utilization of ammonia as an energy source. China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)possesses complete ammonia synthesis technologies as well as relevant storage and transportation facilities, and has the fundamental advantages in both ammonia production by renewable energy and application of ammonia fuel in the marine field. A deep analysis was performed on CNPC’s development pathways for the production of blue and green ammonia in the upstream sectors, the low-cost ammonia storage and transportation in the midstream sectors as well as the application pathways for ammonia in the downstream sectors as hydrogen carrier, fuel for combustion and raw materials for ammonia cells. It is proposed that there are three development stages for CNPC’s ammonia energy industry:(1)strategic planning during 2024-2025; (2)steady progress during 2026-2035; (3)large-scale development during 2036-2050. CNPC will explore three major businesses, i.e., ammonia production, ammonia storage and transportation and ammonia energy application. It will focus on five key technologies:(1)energy-saving blue ammonia production process technology; (2)flexible ammonia synthesis technology based on renewable energy; (3)low-temperature and low-pressure ammonia decomposition for hydrogen production; (4)key technology for ammonia combustion; (5)key technology for ammonia fuel cells. In addition, it will also build five demonstration projects:(1)industrialization demonstration of blue ammonia production; (2)industrialization demonstration of renewable energy electrolysis for hydrogen production followed by low-temperature and low-pressure ammonia synthesis; (3)industrialization demonstration of 10 000-ton ammonia decomposition for hydrogen production; (4)industrialization demonstration of heavy oil thermal recovery with ammonia-assisted combustion; (5)industrialization demonstration for co-generation of heat and power by ammonia fuel cell. Realizing high-quality development of the ammonia energy industry can contribute petroleum resources to the construction of China’s new energy system.

Key words: carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, ammonia energy, green ammonia, hydrogen carrier, ammonia fuel