CaliToday (09/7/2025): Researchers have announced the discovery of a groundbreaking new method to produce ammonia, an essential component of fertilizer, using only air and electricity. The technology, which simulates the natural process of lightning, promises to replace the traditional, fossil-fuel-dependent manufacturing process and could revolutionize the agricultural industry.
The innovative technique works by using electricity to convert nitrogen and water from the atmosphere directly into ammonia. This process mimics how lightning strikes have naturally fertilized the Earth for billions of years by breaking apart nitrogen molecules in the air, allowing them to react with oxygen and hydrogen.
This discovery presents a significant sustainable alternative to the century-old Haber-Bosch process, which is the current industry standard for ammonia production. The traditional method is incredibly energy-intensive, consuming more than 1% of the world's total energy supply and relying heavily on natural gas, making it a major contributor to global carbon emissions.
By eliminating the dependence on fossil fuels, this new "green ammonia" process paves the way for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly approach to agriculture. If scaled successfully, it could drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the food industry and create a more stable and sustainable supply chain for farmers worldwide.
