The potential of green ammonia for agricultural and economic development in Sierra Leone

Summary Sierra Leone is one of the least developed countries in the world, with an economy strangled by the necessity of importing rice to feed the population. In part, this deficit results from domestic farmers rarely using inorganic fertilizer, which is synthesized from fossil fuels internationally. Here, we evaluate the economic benefits of producing green ammonia from renewable local hydropower for low-carbon cost-effective fertilizer production. Its use as fertilizer estimates a 30-year net present value (NPV) of ∼$230M (∼165% return of investment) compared with simply importing fertilizers, which would already save at least $50M a year compared with the current situation of importing rice, but hinges on additional external factors related to implementing modern agriculture. In addition, green ammonia can buffer seasonal fluctuations of hydroelectricity from 900 MW to 50 MW and produce a consistently available 370 MW of power. Although this study presents an initial analysis of Sierra Leone as a case study, it exemplifies the possible economic and social benefits of green ammonia in developing countries.