NitroFix: The Green Revolution in Ammonia Production
NitroFix is demonstrating how advanced science, vision, and Israeli innovation can address one of the greatest ecological challenges of our time. While everyone is searching for ways to reduce CO2 emissions, some of the brightest minds in chemistry, together at a small Israeli company, have succeeded in producing green ammonia in the laboratory with zero emissions – a breakthrough that can change the world
For most , ammonia is associated with strong-smelling cleaning agents. However, behind the pungent odor lies an enormously important substance for agriculture and modern industry. "Ammonia is indeed a poison, and should not be released into the air," explains Dr. Ophira Melamed, PhD in Chemistry and CEO of NitroFix. "But in reality, it is a substance that helps increase crop yields, and aids in feeding millions of people around the world, alongside its other various uses in several major industries."
In 1904, the scientists behind the Haber-Bosch process developed it with mass ammonia production in mind, and have since won Nobel Prizes for their discovery. However not all outcomes of this invention were positive. "In 1904, they didn't think about the environment," says Dr. Melamed. "While the process allowed mass ammonia production at reasonable prices, it involved the emission of enormous amounts of CO2. More precisely, for every ton of ammonia, two and a half times as many tons of CO2 are emitted in the traditional process."
One of the green revolutions in this field took place in the laboratories of the Israeli startup NitroFix, about three years ago. In a groundbreaking technology developed by Prof. Ronny Neumann at the Weizmann Institute of Science, for a new technology for producing green ammonia – without the use of fossil fuels – was born. "We went from 100 to 0 CO2," proudly announces Dr. Melamed.
In just a few years of its existence, NitroFix has won impressive international recognition: in 2023, it won first place in the Israeli Climate Awards competition, a joint initiative of Dorel and Calcalist dedicated to innovative technological climate solutions. Most recently, NitroFix received a prestigious grant of $ 1.5 million from the BIRD Foundation, designed to encourage groundbreaking technological collaborations. It was also named one of the 20 most promising startups in the world in the prestigious TechCrunch disrupt competition in the US – and was the only Israeli company to be recognized on this list. Additionally, NitroFix was also selected as one of the 50 climate startups worth following in Europe (Cleantech 50 to watch), an achievement that solidifies its position as a major player in the world of climate-tech.
From Traditional Chemistry to a Green Future
In an era where the world is looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint, the traditional ammonia production industry emits annually more than 500 million tons of CO2, which accounts for about 2% of total global emissions. Evidently, this industry needs to undergo a comprehensive transformation, for the better of our planet
"I admit that I was a little skeptical when I was looking for a professional retraining that would lead to a significant change," says Dr. Melamed, "but after meeting Prof. Ronny Neumann and reading about ammonia, I realized that we can lead this change." At the heart of NitroFix's development is a unique patent, which Prof. Neumann researched and developed for several years. The breakthrough came in 2021, when he succeeded in producing ammonia in an electromechanical process based on a reaction between water and air, and without the use of fossil fuels. "This method uses innovative technology and a unique catalyst, which significantly reduces the energy required for production," she explains.
The company currently employs ten people, six of whom have a PhD in chemistry, including Dr. Melamed herself. "Prof. Neumann is the scientific advisor of the company and next to him is Dr. Meital Alon, a researcher with deep knowledge, similar to that of Prof. Neumann," says Dr. Melamed. "The in-depth understanding in chemistry and electrochemistry undoubtedly helps us to lead the next revolution, with the first ammonia generator, which is scheduled to be released in 2026."
What are the advantages of the innovative method?
"Although we are still in the laboratory, in the pilot phase, the potential is enormous. Producing ammonia in a way that doesn't harm the Earth will help in a variety of fields: the production of advanced fertilizers, the promotion of clean energy in heavy industry, and even for medical uses. The innovative method offers many advantages; primarily, it is an energy-efficient method with zero carbon emissions, unlike the traditional Haber-Bosch method, which requires high temperature and pressure. In addition, it allows ammonia to be produced in small, local facilities, unlike the traditional and expensive giant plants, which are based on economies of scale and are located in remote areas, that increase transportation costs and associated CO2 emissions. The method also offers the potential to reduce costs of ammonia production, which can make it accessible in developing countries. We were recently approached by the Philippines and Thailand, countries where ammonia availability is low. Using our technology, they will be able to produce green ammonia themselves, by using water, air and green electricity, independent of raw materials."
Where else can green ammonia be used?
"The great advantage of NitroFix's technology lies in its modularity and flexibility. The possibility of producing ammonia in small, local facilities saves on transportation and storage costs, and reduces environmental risks associated with transporting ammonia under high pressure. In terms of agriculture, ammonia is expected to become a major player in the field of green energy. Cargo ships, for example, which emit an average of 1,000 million tons of carbon per year, are moving towards using ammonia as an alternative fuel. Fortunately, the world's first cargo ship powered by ammonia is expected to begin operating in 2026, a move that could significantly reduce the shipping industry's carbon emissions and contribute to the fight against the climate crisis."
What are the challenges you are currently facing?
"There is always a need to obtain additional funding to expand development and production, and also to test our technology on an industrial scale. In addition, as with any technological revolution, the transition from traditional to green production requires a change in perception among industrialists, growers, and investors. In terms of competition, there are indeed international companies striving to develop similar solutions, but our advantage lies in our unique production method, which has no competition. Ultimately, we believe that the market is large enough, and we are happy with any player who will contribute to the transition to green production."
And what's next?
"We are currently constructing our first Green Ammonia Generator pilot. This is the first step towards a global change in the field of ammonia production, and a significant reduction in the global emissions balance. According to our estimates, our technology will enable savings of hundreds of millions of tons of CO2 emissions every year. The numbers can transform ammonia production from a climate threat to a direct contribution to the fight against the climate crisis. A significant reduction in greenhouse gases will also contribute to meeting the international goals of increasing global temperatures by only one and a half degrees, a critical goal in the fight to maintain the quality of life on Earth."
NitroFix
Year established: 2022
Founders: Dr. Ophira Melamed, Dr. Meital Alon, Yehuda Borenstein, Prof. Ronny Neumann.
Field of activity: Climate-Tech
Guiding motto: "We create a green revolution in ammonia production."
In collaboration with NitroFix
