This Unlikely Fuel Could Power Cleaner Trucks And Ships
This article is from The Spark, MIT Technology Review's weekly climate newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Wednesday, sign up here.
Last Friday, I hoisted myself up a ladder and plopped down into the seat of a bright green John Deere tractor. There wasn't a cornstalk or a soybean sprout in sight—my view through the windshield was a fairly typical parking lot in Brooklyn.
I'd asked to climb aboard the tractor to get a look inside of one of the only vehicles in the world that can run using a surprising fuel: ammonia. The chemical is typically used for fertilizer, but a New York–based startup, called Amogy, is developing technology that can help it power electric tractors, trucks, and even ships. I visited Amogy's headquarters to find out why so many companies in transportation are looking into new fuels, and where ammonia might fit in.
Starting upTransportation is a huge piece of the climate puzzle, accounting for over 15% of worldwide global greenhouse gas emissions. And while we're making steady progress thanks to electric vehicles, trains, and the like, there are parts of the puzzle that are harder to solve, like vehicles that need to venture long distances or run for long durations without stopping to charge.
Amogy thinks the key to solving this problem lies in ammonia. It's one of the world's most widely shipped chemicals today, since it's used to make fertilizer. And it's relatively convenient, packing a lot of energy into a small space without weighing too much to cart around.
"What's missing in the market is the way of using ammonia," says Young Suk Jo, Amogy's chief technology officer. "That's what we're developing."
The basic goal behind the company's tech is to pull apart ammonia into its constituent parts: hydrogen and nitrogen. The hydrogen can then be used in a fuel cell to generate electricity, while the nitrogen gas by-product is safely released into the atmosphere (which is mostly nitrogen anyway).
This is called ammonia cracking, and one of the company's key inventions is a chemical catalyst that helps that reaction run efficiently at a lower temperature than what's typical today. Amogy combines that cracker with a control system, technology that cleans up any leftover ammonia from the reaction, and a fuel cell. Together, all those components can basically transform ammonia into electricity.
Amogy started out by demonstrating its system on a drone in 2021. That first setup produced an average of about five kilowatts of electrical power. Next up was the tractor, which the company retrofitted with an ammonia-to-power system that's about 20 times more powerful than the drone demonstration system. (The additional equipment is fairly obvious on the tractor, giving me a pretty big blind spot on the right side from where I sat in the cab.) Finally, the company ran a semi truck in January of this year, using a 300 kW system.
All those demonstration vehicles helped attract attention, including some from investors: the company closed a $150 million funding round earlier this year. But Amogy has its sights on even bigger machinery: ships.
Shipping outCompanies trying to cut their climate impacts in the marine shipping sector are looking to alternative fuels, including methanol and ammonia. Amogy's system could be a better option than combustion engines, though, since it would limit pollution that can trap heat in the atmosphere and harm human health and the environment.
I'll note here that ammonia itself isn't very pleasant to be around, and in fact it can be toxic. Proponents argue that safety protocols for handling it are pretty well established in industry, and professionals will be able to transport and use the chemical safely.
Amogy's systems aren't quite big enough for ships yet. The company is working on one more demonstration that will help it get closer to a commercial system: a tugboat, which it plans to launch later this year in upstate New York.
Eventually, the company plans to make modules that can fit together, making the systems large enough to power ships. Amogy's first commercial maritime system will be deployed with Southern Devall, which transports ammonia on barges today in the US.
Global ammonia production topped 200 million metric tons in 2022, most of it used for fertilizer. The problem is, the vast majority of that was produced using fossil fuels.
For Amogy's systems to cut emissions significantly, they'll need to be
According to Amogy's estimates, supply for these low-carbon ammonia sources could reach 70 million tons by 2030. But those projects will need to make it out of the planning stages and actually start producing ammonia before it can be used in fertilizers, tractors, or tugboats.
Related readingThere's a lot of money flowing into ocean chemistry. A new initiative called Carbon to Sea is injecting $50 million over the next five years into a technique called ocean alkalinity enhancement. The basic idea is that adding alkaline substances into seawater could help the oceans suck up more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, combating climate change.
The new group's goals include eventually conducting small field trials, advancing policies, and working to measure and verify efforts in the space. Check out my colleague James Temple's story for the full scoop.
Keeping up with climateCalifornia's largest insurer, State Farm, announced that it will stop accepting applications for most types of insurance in the state, citing "rapidly growing catastrophe exposure." (New York Times) Allstate quietly adopted the same policy several months ago, also citing worsening climate conditions. (New York Times)
Every year around this time, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere reach a new record. But the increase this year is the highest ever. (Washington Post)
EV chargers are a lot more common than they used to be, and a lot less common than they need to be. Reliability and availability will both need to improve for more consumers to be comfortable switching to EVs. (The Atlantic)
→ Here's where all the fast chargers are in the US (as of summer 2022, at least). (MIT Technology Review)
A startup called Equatic is zapping seawater in an attempt to pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. (The Verge)
A new class action lawsuit in California takes aim at Delta Airlines and the company's claim to be "carbon neutral". The lawsuit says that the offsets the company relies on don't deliver the impact they promise. (Washington Post)
→ To understand how offsets can actually end up adding carbon pollution into the atmosphere, check out this investigation of California's program. (MIT Technology Review)
An opinion piece about the climate impacts of EVs got a lot of attention over the weekend, because it was written by the actor who plays Mr. Bean (I am unfortunately 100% serious). Here's a story to set the record straight. The short version: EVs are better for the climate than gas-powered vehicles in nearly all cases. (Inside Climate News)
What Is Disruptive Technology? 10 Key Examples
© Provided by MUOThroughout history, our world has been reshaped by groundbreaking technologies. From Thomas Edison's brilliance that brought forth the light bulb, and the collective ingenuity of visionaries who birthed the cellphone, disruptive technology has continually revolutionized our lives.
So, in what ways have we experienced this type of technology in the last decade?
What Is Disruptive Technology?Disruptive technology was first mentioned by Clayton Christensen, a Harvard professor, in a 1995 Harvard Business Review magazine, which he later popularized in his book, The Innovator's Dilemma, in 1998. According to Christensen, this technology refers to innovations that initially cater to niche markets or lower-end segments but eventually grow to displace established industries or products.
In simpler terms, it refers to new ideas or inventions that completely change how we do things. They cause a quake within established industries and change our everyday lives, making products become cheaper, faster, better, and more accessible to everyone.
Additionally, this type of technology should not be confused with its opposite, incremental innovation (technology), a small, slow improvement made to existing products or technologies. Disruptive technology is different because it brings about an instant change in the market, requiring others to follow suit or get left behind.
Having understood what this technology is and how it contrasts with incremental technology, let us now explore how we have experienced it in the last decade.
1. AI and AI ModelsTen years ago, artificial intelligence had just started seeing the light of day, with limited capabilities and applications. Most AI chatbots, like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, were rule-based, only handling simple and repetitive tasks, such as providing basic information, playing music, or booking appointments.
AI has become more advanced and sophisticated, with enhanced capabilities and applications. AI applications such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Microsoft's Bing AI, and Google's Bard are
However, one worrisome concern about AI is how it could disrupt the future of work, as it could make some workers more productive while replacing others who specialize in redundant or repetitive tasks. Other concerns revolve around privacy, security, bias, accountability, transparency, etc., especially when dealing with sensitive or personal data or decisions.
2. Cloud ComputingCloud computing provides services such as online storage, servers, and software without the requirement for physical infrastructure.
According to Statista, the cloud computing market has surged from $145 billion in 2017 to $591.79 billion by 2023. This technology revolutionizes work practices, fostering remote and hybrid models and seamless data sharing across devices. It has also enhanced healthcare by facilitating remote diagnosis, telemedicine, and precision medicine. Additionally, in education, cloud computing has increased quality and accessibility, enabling educators to deliver lessons, track progress, and provide support remotely.
3. Passwordless SecurityRemember how forgetting your password used to be a frequent occurrence? Well, thanks to big tech companies introducing passwordless security, that's now a thing of the past. With passwordless security, you don't have to input a password or a PIN. Instead, you can use biometric methods, one-time codes, or physical tokens to access your online accounts.
Passwordless security has gained traction in various sectors and industries. In fact, a survey by HYPR shows that 54% of older adults prefer passwordless authentication to traditional passwords.
Many banking apps have implemented biometric authentication for their mobile banking apps. In healthcare, Microsoft's partnership with Nuance Communications gave rise to a passwordless solution that uses voice recognition to authenticate doctors and nurses who access patient records.
4. Electric and Autonomous CarsWe saw electric and self-driving cars which could sense their environment and navigate roads without human input start populating the car market in the last decade. These autonomous vehicles, like Tesla, drives through the Autopilot feature. Other companies making strides in this industry include Zoox, AutoX, Waymo, and others.
While electric vehicles have emerged as a solution to reduce greenhouse emissions, self-driving cars still require a few improvements to achieve perfection. Nevertheless, we can confidently anticipate the imminent dominance of autonomous vehicles on our roads.
5. DronesDrones are very exciting to fly, whether autonomously or remotely controlled. They have truly been a game-changing technology in recent years. A report by McKinsey shows that, in early 2022, over 2,000 commercial drone deliveries occurred daily globally, which has probably skyrocketed ever since.
From stunning aerial photography and videography to delivering packages and even emergency response, drones have changed how we approach most tasks. They find immense relevance in security, especially offering sophisticated surveillance and monitoring capabilities for law enforcement, military, and private sectors. That's not all; you can do crazy (rather fun) things with a drone.
The impact of drones is undeniable, and we will continue to see improvements even as we find new applications for these game-changing flying vehicles.
6. Crypto, Blockchain, Metaverse, and NFTsBlockchain technology radically shifted several centralized server-based internet ecosystems to a decentralized, immutable, transparent cryptographic system in the last ten years. Cryptocurrencies, metaverse, and NFTs were born from this technology.
These four technologies spurred new forms of innovation, creativity, expression, and collaboration. Blockchain and the metaverse enable you to create, share, and monetize content and experiences. Even better, NFTs and cryptocurrencies empower you to have more control and ownership over your data and assets by conferring property rights and offering you economic incentives.
7. Wearable Devices2013 marked a rise in the popularity of smartwatches globally. Pebble and Samsung Galaxy Gear offered features like notifications, apps, and voice control, while fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit and the Jawbone UP, measured steps, calories, and sleep quality. These devices were seen as convenient and useful accessories that complemented smartphones.
However, wearable devices evolved beyond mere accessories and became standalone devices offering more advanced features and capabilities. 2015 saw Apple release its first Apple Watch, featuring a heart rate sensor, a Retina display, Apple Pay support, and several other cool features.
The year after came the first generation of AirPods, which was massively improved in its second generation in 2019. The wireless earbuds featured noise cancellation, spatial audio, and Siri integration. Also, in 2021, Facebook launched its Ray-Ban Stories, a metaverse-oriented smart glasses with dual cameras, micro-speakers, a three-microphone audio array, an optimized Snapdragon® processor, and capacitive touch controls.
We have only mentioned some of the amazing features of existing wearable devices; we reckon these devices will reach new heights of sophistication and adoption within the next decade.
8. Augmented Reality and Virtual RealityYou have likely experienced virtual reality if you have used Oculus VR devices at any point. The concepts of AR and VR have existed for decades but were primarily limited to military training, product development testing, and surgery simulation.
The introduction of the Oculus Rift and Microsoft HoloLens in 2016 brought these technologies to the public, marking the beginning of something exciting. AR and VR have revolutionized our interaction with digital content. AR overlays digital information in the real world, enhancing our surroundings with virtual elements. On the other hand, VR immerses users in entirely digital environments, creating realistic sensory experiences.
These technologies have opened up many possibilities, and we surely have so much in store in the coming years.
9. GPS SystemsGPS, short for Global Positioning System, is a space-based radio-navigation system that relays highly accurate navigation signals to Earth. It was mainly used by allied armed forces and governments when it was first developed in the 1970s. However, over the last ten years, GPS has evolved beyond solely government use and finds use in everyday life.
GPS systems have made exploring our world much easier, as we can find places by opening an app on our phones. They have also improved safety and security by allowing emergency services to locate people in distress, tracking stolen vehicles, and monitoring hazardous materials.
10. 3D Printers3D printing technology has existed since the 1980s. However, 30 years later, it became a disruptive technology that stormed the mainstream. By identifying inherent problems in a system, 3D printers were used to build new parts even before they were needed.
Today, with the press of a button, jewelry, toys and games, figurines/miniatures, home decor, and even keychains are made using 3D printers. You can easily build things with the different types of 3D printing at your disposal.
What Will the Next Disruptive Technology Be?Our imagination can only begin to run wild as we ponder the disruptive future of the next decade. Change is constant, and new technologies will inevitably emerge, possibly displacing existing ones.
With major progress in artificial intelligence, blockchain, self-driving vehicles, and cloud computing already being made, excitement can not but continue to grow as we anticipate how these technologies will further impact our world soon.
World Renowned Battery Expert, Professor Jeff Dahn Joins Meta Materials' Scientific Advisory Board
HALIFAX, NS / ACCESSWIRE / June 12, 2023 / Meta Materials Inc. (the "Company" or "META®") (Nasdaq:MMAT)(FSE:MMAT), an advanced materials and nanotechnology company, today announced that Prof. Jeff Dahn is joining its Scientific Advisory Board effective June 15, 2023. Prof. Dahn is a pioneering researcher and developer of lithium-ion battery technology and leads a large research group at Dalhousie University. Prof. Dahn's expertise will bolster META's endeavors to drive innovation of NCORE™ and NPORE® battery materials, enabling the development of new lithium-ion batteries that are safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
Prof. Dahn held the position of NSERC/Tesla Canada Industrial Research Chair with Dalhousie University from 2016 to 2021. He is now Principal Investigator of the NSERC/Dalhousie/Tesla Canada Alliance Grant which will run until at least 2026. In 2021, Prof. Dahn became Chief Scientific Advisor to NOVONIX (NVX), which was spun out of Prof. Dahn's research group in 2013.
"META is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of battery technology across different chemistries and cell formats. We are incredibly privileged and proud to have Prof. Dahn, a globally recognized expert, guiding us in our pursuit," said George Palikaras, President & CEO. "Furthermore, the fact that we are both based in Nova Scotia adds to the synergy and potential for breakthrough innovations. With the development of our thinner, more sustainable current collector and safer, heat-stable separator materials, we aim to achieve greater safety and performance while minimizing environmental impact."
Prof. Dahn has a long record of successful industry collaboration. He was the NSERC/3M Canada Industrial Research Chair in Materials for Advanced Batteries at Dalhousie University from 1996 until 2016, when he began his exclusive partnership with Tesla. As a faculty member in the Physics Department at Simon Frasier University, he worked with the R&D team at NEC/Moli Energy Canada (now E-One/Moli Energy Canada). Previously, Prof. Dahn worked at Moli Energy Limited, and he began his career at the National Research Council of Canada.
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"I am very pleased that Tesla, my exclusive research partner, allows me to be involved with the Nova Scotia companies, Novonix and now Meta Materials. Joining Meta Materials Inc. As a Scientific Advisor is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of safer, more energy dense, and sustainable lithium-ion batteries. I am impressed by META's technology to enhance battery performance through their NCORE™ and NPORE® battery materials which can have a positive impact in the fields of grid storage, electric transportation, and resource management for the energy transition," said Prof. Dahn.
Prof. Dahn has co-authored 770 papers and has 78 inventions with patents issued or filed. He holds a B.Sc. In Physics from Dalhousie University and an M.Sc. And Ph.D. In Physics from the University of British Columbia. He has received numerous awards including: the Inaugural Governor General's Innovation Award (2016), the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal in Science and Engineering (Canada's top science award) (2017) and The Killam Prize (2022). Dahn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2020. He will receive the Olin Palladium Medal from the Electrochemical Society in 2023 (the highest honor from the society).
About Meta Materials Inc.
Meta Materials Inc. (META®) is an advanced materials and nanotechnology company. We develop new products and technologies using innovative sustainable science. Advanced materials can improve everyday products that surround us, making them smarter and more sustainable. META's technology platforms enable global brands to develop new products to improve performance for customers in aerospace and defense, consumer electronics, 5G communications, batteries, authentication, automotive and clean energy. Learn more at www.Metamaterial.Com.
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Forward Looking Information
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SOURCE: Meta Materials Inc.
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