Ammonia is the second largest chemical produced from syngas. Syngas is a gaseous mixture consisting primarily of carbon monoxide and hydrogen and is produced from the gasification of feedstocks at high temperatures under conditions where the amount of oxygen is less than what is needed for complete combustion. Syngas can be produced from many feedstocks, including natural gas, petroleum products, coal, and biomass.
In 1996, world ammonia production totaled 157 million tons. It is used primarily to make fertilizers, with a small fraction used to make organic chemicals used in plastics, for the production of explosives, and other miscellaneous chemicals. Over 85% of ammonia produced currently, uses natural gas as the feedstock. World production has been shifting from North America and Europe to Asia.
The estimated cost of producing ammonia ranges from $146 to $329/ton depending on assumptions contained in the analysis and the type and price of feedstock used. Since 1986, the price of ammonia has fluctuated between $91-$227/ton. The energy used to produce ammonia has decreased substantially over time.
Ammonia production from syngas is a mature technology. A number of companies provide ammonia synthesis catalysts and reactors.