Accounting for over 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, ammonia is a crucial component of fertilizer production and a significant contributor to climate change. Current ammonia production is heavily concentrated in low-cost natural gas and coal regions such as the US Gulf, China, and Russia, leading to complex, multi-step supply chains that span thousands of miles. However, recent geopolitical events have underscored the vulnerabilities of these centralized supply chains and the fossil fuel dependency of ammonia production, prompting the need for a shift towards decentralized, low-carbon processes, notably distributed green ammonia (DGA).

This report outlines a comprehensive roadmap for advancing DGA in Minnesota, identifying decarbonization efforts and direct application strategies. Given Minnesota’s fertilizer consumption and relatively high fertilizer costs due to transportation expenses, the state is a promising starting point for the implementation of distributed ammonia projects. With robust policy support and a demonstrated commitment to localized production, Minnesota could be a pioneer in the advancement of distributed green ammonia, heralding a paradigm shift in the US Midwest and potentially nationwide.