nium is On a Mission to Produce Clean Ammonia And Reduce CO2 Emissions

Ammonia is a cornerstone of global agriculture and industry, but its production remains highly energy-intensive and environmentally harmful, primarily relying on the traditional Haber-Bosch process. This century-old method alone is responsible for approximately 450 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually, accounting for nearly 1.8% of global emissions. Nium, a promising startup from our Batch 6, aims to change this process by using nanotechnology to enable clean, decentralized ammonia production.

Using their patented nanocatalyst technology, Nium facilitates efficient on-site ammonia production, drastically reducing CO₂ emissions and energy consumption. Their approach not only addresses the environmental challenges of traditional ammonia production but also holds the potential to transform industries reliant on ammonia. Learn how they are making sustainability and efficiency a reality.

Can you explain how your nano-catalyst technology works and what sets it apart from traditional processes?

Traditional processes like Haber-Bosch require extremely high pressure and temperature to synthesize ammonia. This process is emissions-intensive and difficult to decouple from fossil fuels due to the scale and uptime required for plants to be efficient.

Nium's breakthrough nano-catalyst introduces a critical dimension: increased surface area. This allows us to synthesise ammonia at far lower pressures and temperatures. Our process uses less energy, plugs directly into electrolysers (eliminating the need for expensive hydrogen storage and compression), and delivers the flexibility required to integrate with renewable energy sources. As a result, we reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Our technology delivers a decarbonised, decentralised, and democratised future for ammonia production.

What have been the key drivers of interest in your technology? Are there particular industries or regions that have proven more open to adopting your solution?

The key drivers of interest in Nium's technology are its environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to various hydrogen inputs and renewable energy sources. Regions with stringent environmental regulations and high renewable energy penetration, such as Europe, Australia, and the Americas, have shown particular interest.

The largest use case for ammonia today is fertiliser, and we're seeing significant interest from agricultural co-operatives eager to decarbonise and take control of their supply chains. We also have considerable traction with large energy companies now entering the ammonia market as other use cases for their green hydrogen begin to diminish.

What specific milestones are you aiming to achieve, and what kind of partners are you looking for?

Our priorities for the Series A funding focus on scaling our pilot projects to achieve commercialization, producing catalysts to meet the initial phase of market demand, and securing pre-orders for our 10TPD modules as well as larger plants.

To accelerate our growth, we are looking to establish strategic partnerships with hydrogen producers, clean energy companies, and industry leaders who can support scaling our technology and integrating it into existing supply chains. Additionally, we are seeking technical advisors and engineers with expertise in developing first-of-a-kind (FOAK) pilot plants to help bring our vision to life.

Ammonia is already a $243 billion industry projected to triple by 2050. How does Nium plan to position itself as a leader in this growing market, and what role do you see ammonia playing in the broader push for global decarbonization?

Ammonia powers half of global food production but is also responsible for 2% of global emissions, so there’s already a huge market that needs decarbonising. Nium’s competitive edge lies in our technology’s low energy consumption and ability to integrate seamlessly with hydrogen feedstocks and renewable energy sources.

The flexibility of our system allows us to source the cleanest, cheapest hydrogen globally and decentralise ammonia production. So, in addition to providing a cost-effective pathway to decarbonisation, this decentralised model reduces supply chain risks and empowers industries to take control of their emissions.

Given we use less energy in ammonia synthesis and can source the cheapest hydrogen, we’re positioned to offer the cheapest, cleanest ammonia on the market. In terms of ammonia’s broader role, it is seen as the optimal vector for hydrogen over long distances, and its potential as a clean fuel gives it a key role in the IEA's vision for a future of decarbonised shipping. If either of these opportunities are even partially realised, ammonia’s impact on global decarbonisation will reach far beyond the 2% of emissions it’s currently responsible for.

Why did you choose to participate in the RootCamp accelerator program?

Nium’s decision to join Batch#6 stems from Rootcamp’s focus on agri-tech and sustainability, providing us access to a network of industry experts, potential partners, and relevant investors. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our strategic goals, allowing us to fine-tune our applications in the agricultural sector and expand our reach.

Meet Keith  and other startups from Batch#6 in person on February 25th for the RootCamp Demo Day in Hannover: Register here.