Biomass gasification for green ammonia production in kraft mills, TAPPI Journal September 2026

 


Application: This study modeled the integration of biomass-derived ammonia synthesis into a kraft mill using CADSIM Plus. Green ammonia production was estimated based on feedstock characteristics, gasification perfor mance, water-gas shift conversion, and pressure swing adsorption efficiency. Integration of the ammonia and kraft mill energy systems shifted steam requirements across pressure levels, creating opportunities for heat recovery and improved overall energy efficiency.

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Author: Adam Rogerson, Etienne Bernier, Luciana Savulescu, and Hakim Ghezzaz
Biomass gasification for green ammonia production in kraft m
ABSTRACT: As the global energy sector transitions toward net-zero emissions, kraft pulp mills present a compelling opportunity to produce green fuels and achieve net-negative emissions by capturing biogenic carbon, helping offset hard-to-abate sectors. This study explores the techno-economics of integrating biomass gasification for green ammonia production within kraft mills, using KraftSIM modeling to evaluate ammonia production, steam balance, emissions, and utility impacts. The proposed design enables energy and water system integration with the existing mill and allows for a gradual scale-up without disrupting the chemistry and operation of the recovery cycle. Across five scenarios representing different biomass gasification rates ranging from 100 to 1000 bone-dry metric tons per day (BDMT/d), the process yields ammonia at approximately 0.51 metric tons per bone-dry metric ton (t/ BDMT), while generating significant low- and medium-pressure steam and hot water that offset mill utility demands. The incineration of pressure swing adsorption tail gas and ammonia plant purge gas in the power boiler reduces biomass combustion and enhances power boiler efficiency. Economic analysis suggests a net revenue potential of approximately CA$380/BDMT, which could increase with the implementation of biogenic carbon pricing. Overall profitability is strongly influenced by biomass procurement costs, electricity prices, and prevailing green fuel and chemical market premium. This work outlines a practical, near-term decarbonization pathway for kraft mills by coupling green fuel production with potential opportunities for carbon removal.
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