In an open letter to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, 12 organisations representing energy, transport, and industry have highlighted ammonia’s vital role in decarbonising energy-intensive sectors, supporting maritime transport, and strengthening the UK’s energy security.
In their letter, they have urged the government to ensure low-carbon ammonia is explicitly integrated into the UK’s Hydrogen Strategy.
They stress that acknowledging ammonia’s contribution is essential if the UK is to meet its climate ambitions, remain globally competitive, and secure its place as a leader in clean technologies.
Signatories to the letter include British Compressed Gas Association, British Ports Association, Ceramics UK, Energy Intensive Users Group, Future Humber, Hydrogen Energy Association, Hydrogen Scotland, Hydrogen South West, Hydrogen UK, Society of Maritime Industries, UK Ammonia Alliance, and UK Major Ports Group.
Key benefits of low-carbon ammonia across industry
The letter identifies four key areas where low-carbon ammonia can deliver significant benefits:
- Decarbonising existing industrial applications: Ammonia is critical in sectors such as chemicals, refrigeration, explosives, textiles, and water treatment. Low-carbon ammonia can replace fossil-based ammonia in these industries and support their decarbonisation.
- Fertiliser and agriculture: Low-carbon ammonia can replace existing fossil-based ammonia, helping to decarbonise this sector.
- Maritime transport: Shipping companies are already investing in dual-fuel and ammonia-ready vessels, underlining ammonia’s role in decarbonising global trade.
- Energy security and resilience: Ammonia is storable and transportable, making it ideal for low-carbon peaking power generation. It can enable renewable power to be moved from areas of surplus to where it is most needed.
Decarbonising energy-intensive industries for a sustainable future
The organisations call on the government to ensure the revised Hydrogen Strategy sets out ammonia’s role both in the short and long term, sending a clear signal of commitment to industry and investors.
The open letter states: “The United Kingdom stands at a crossroads for industrial competitiveness.
“Energy-intensive industry and transport are central to our national strengths, and the choices made today will determine whether these sectors can deliver a sustainable, affordable future for UK citizens.”
Ammonia and hydrogen go hand-in-hand
The leaders also stress the importance of ammonia for delivering on hydrogen promises.
It says: “As leading associations, representing energy, transport, and industry, we believe hydrogen will be vital in future-proofing key sectors of the global economy. We also advocate for consideration of the role of ammonia in helping to deliver the strategic goals associated with hydrogen.”
Overall, the leaders and organisations conclude that a revised Hydrogen Strategy should clearly set out ammonia’s role in both the short and long term.
Doing so sends a strong signal that the UK is serious about building a competitive, resilient hydrogen economy.
