Hydrogen Versus Ammonia for Energy Storage in Singapore: A Comparative Study with Atmospheric Risk Considerations

Global climate change has spurred a growing interest in sustainable green energy solutions, with hydrogen emerging as an essential zero-carbon fuel source (Singapore’s long-term low-emissions development strategy Singapore’s Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy. Available at: https://www.nccs.gov.sg/media/publications/singapores-long-term-low-emissions-development-strategy/ ). Hydrogen, with its high efficiency, cleanliness, and diverse storage forms, has emerged as a promising alternative fuel (An et al. in International Journal of Green Energy, pp. 1–9, 2023). However, the challenges associated with hydrogen storage, particularly concerning safety, necessitate a thorough examination. This report delves into the safety implications of utilizing ammonia as a hydrogen carrier in Singapore's transition to sustainable energy, positioning it against conventional hydrogen storage methods. The primary focus is on a comparative analysis of hydrogen and ammonia for energy storage, with a comprehensive study of atmospheric risk considerations for ammonia storage. Using the ALOHA simulation software, we explore various leakage scenarios and evaluate the influencing conditions. The research identified four primary atmospheric risk factors associated with ammonia leakage: wind speed, cloud cover, air temperature, and humidity. The overarching goal of this research is to propose effective measures for mitigating the hazards associated with both hydrogen and ammonia leaks, thereby enhancing safety in operational environments. The insights derived from this study are pivotal for the development of future ammonia storage facilities and are instrumental in crafting robust safety protocols for the storage process. The findings presented in this paper are crucial for developing plans for future ammonia storage facilities and ensuring the safety in the process.