SiC Systems and Copernic Catalysts partner on next-generation green ammonia platform

SiC Systems and Copernic Catalysts have announced a partnership to develop a next-generation green ammonia synthesis platform, combining SiC’s high-temperature processing capabilities with Copernic’s novel catalytic chemistry, with the aim of advancing an alternative pathway to conventional Haber-Bosch ammonia production.

The Haber-Bosch process, which has underpinned global nitrogen fertilizer production since the early twentieth century, combines atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen — almost universally derived from natural gas — under high temperature and pressure over an iron catalyst. The process is both energy-intensive and carbon-emitting, accounting for approximately 1.5% of global CO₂ emissions. Green ammonia, by contrast, uses hydrogen produced from water via electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, eliminating the fossil fuel feedstock and the associated carbon output.

The SiC Systems and Copernic Catalysts partnership targets the development of new catalytic chemistry for ammonia synthesis that could potentially improve upon the efficiency and operational profile of the conventional iron catalyst system. Copernic’s approach focuses on novel catalyst formulations designed to operate at lower temperatures and pressures than traditional Haber-Bosch, which could reduce capital requirements and improve integration with intermittent renewable power sources — a key challenge in green ammonia economics.

The announcement adds to a growing pipeline of ventures pursuing Haber-Bosch alternatives or improvements at varying stages of development. Green ammonia is increasingly seen as serving a dual market: as a decarbonized feedstock for nitrogen fertilizer production, and as a potential energy carrier for the maritime and power sectors seeking low-carbon fuels. Demand projections for green ammonia have risen sharply as both markets have intensified their decarbonization commitments.

No financial terms or commercial deployment timeline were disclosed in connection with the partnership announcement.

Source: World Fertilizer