Solarpunk technology

Ammonia is toxic, explosive, and corrosive

Ammonia is not explosive. Pressure equivalent to propane, but not prone to ignition.

But because logistics for the production of solid oxide fuel cells for this application did not mature as quickly as anticipated, the EU organizers put “a temporary pause” on the retrofit. The 2024 deadline was no longer feasible, but the partnership restarted the project with a specially made gas turbine designed to run on ammonia.

A gas turbine is a bad choice as high NOX emissions will result. A diesel conversion can produce very little NOX. Waiting for the fuel cell solution is the right path, as it will have double the efficiency.

Using an H2 fuel cell, instead of SOFC, or many in paralel from car/truck manufacturers is the right path. As decomposing NH3 to H2 is an easy low energy process.

This is setting up for failure to be too quick and abandon questionable technology choice for terrible choices.