Small Nuclear Reactors Poised to Power Ammonia’s Carbon-Free Transformation

September 18, 2025

Researchers in the U.S. are exploring the potential of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to revolutionize ammonia production, a vital but carbon-intensive industry. By providing a stable, carbon-free energy source, SMRs could enable the creation of next-generation ammonia plants, significantly reducing the sector’s environmental impact.

Key Takeaways

Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer a promising solution for decarbonizing ammonia production.
Current ammonia production methods, reliant on natural gas, contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions.
SMRs provide reliable baseload power and heat, crucial for efficient hydrogen and ammonia synthesis.
New designs aim to integrate SMRs with high-temperature steam electrolysis and waste heat recovery for maximum efficiency.

The Challenge of Ammonia Production

Ammonia production is a cornerstone of global agriculture, essential for fertilizer manufacturing that supports billions worldwide. However, the conventional method, natural gas steam reforming, is highly energy-intensive and accounts for approximately 1.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With increasing global populations, the demand for fertilizers is expected to rise, making the decarbonization of ammonia production an urgent priority.

SMRs as a Solution

Small modular reactors are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional energy sources for ammonia production. Unlike intermittent renewables like wind and solar, SMRs can deliver consistent baseload power and heat, which are critical for the energy-intensive processes involved in hydrogen and ammonia synthesis. Furthermore, their smaller size allows for co-location with consumption centers, reducing transportation emissions and improving overall efficiency by integrating hydrogen and nitrogen production directly with ammonia synthesis.

Innovative Carbon-Free Designs

A project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) and led by Utah State University researchers is developing two reference designs for carbon-free ammonia plants powered by NuScale SMRs. These designs utilize high-temperature steam electrolysis, leveraging the SMR’s heat to reduce electricity demand for hydrogen generation. One design uses freshwater, while the other incorporates desalination for seawater or brackish water sources.

Optimizing Efficiency Through Heat Integration

Researchers have modeled various system configurations to maximize energy efficiency. The most productive design integrates waste heat from compressors and the ammonia synthesis process to preheat feedwater for electrolysis. This approach significantly enhances the utilization of the SMR’s power output and minimizes the need for external heating, leading to higher ammonia production rates with zero carbon emissions. Future steps include further optimization, techno-economic analysis, and the integration of freeze desalination and ice energy storage for seawater-based plants.

The ultimate goal is to demonstrate that SMR-powered ammonia plants can be both environmentally sustainable and economically competitive, paving the way for a carbon-neutral future for global food supply.