In this episode of the podcast I am joined by Neal Rauhauser, a blogger and researcher whose work can be found on the website strandedwind.org (no longer available? FA). Neal is also the author of the National Renewable Ammonia Architecture, a 6,500 word background paper that covers the history of human fertilizer production.
In this interview Neal and I discuss the concept of stranded wind, the past, current, and future status of ammonia as a fertilizer, and the potential to produce ammonia renewably using hydroelectric. Neal brings us up to speed on a proposal to reinvigorate local economies where hydroelectric facilities already exist through ammonia/grain/ethanol/greenhouse horticulture production.
Useful links below:
The National Renewable Ammonia Architecture
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2 responses to “Episode #80: The National Renewable Ammonia Architecture”
In the latter part of the interview, Frank asks Neal about sustainable communities possibly developing renewable ammonia projects. Neal sounds a bit pessimistic in his response, in my opinion. Neal and I have worked together and we do agree on many points, but I do believe that model sustainable cities could utilize renewable ammonia quite effectively. In fact, I describe a “Renewable Ammonia Corridor Value Cycling Engine” at my “Model Sustainable Cities” website. It is a means of layering together proposed pieces of renewable energy infrastructure such that test market opportunities for renewable ammonia could be developed. Please feel free to see my website at http://modelsustainablecities.weebly.com for more information.
I haven’t listened to this podcast yet, but I thought it might be worth pointing out that ammonia (NH3) is a gas. It’s ammonium (NH4+) that’s contained in fertilizers.