Cardiff University leads collaborative GW-SHIFT SPRINT project
Cardiff University has partnered with Wales and West Utilities, CR Plus, CCRE, and steel manufacturer CELSA to explore the feasibility of using ammonia to significantly reduce carbon emissions in steel production. In what is the first successfully completed GW-SHIFT SPRINT project, the study focused on evaluating ammonia as a clean energy carrier, delivered to the Port of Cardiff, and its potential to decarbonise CELSA’s steelmaking process.
Exploring green alternatives in steel manufacturing
The research investigated two main hydrogen-based fuels, cracked ammonia (which decomposes into hydrogen and nitrogen) and liquid hydrogen, as substitutes for fossil fuels in CELSA’s primary furnace. Both options demonstrated a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions, offering promising pathways to cleaner steel production.
Techno-economic insights
A detailed techno-economic analysis compared the cost-effectiveness of various fuel options. Key findings include:
Ammonia cracking with purification is slightly more expensive than delivering liquid hydrogen directly to the site.
Using impure ammonia (without purification) proves to be more economical than pure hydrogen, offering a compelling option for near-term deployment.
These insights are vital in understanding the trade-offs between performance, infrastructure needs, and economic viability for different hydrogen sources.
Global supply chain considerations
The study also examined the cost implications of sourcing ammonia and hydrogen from different regions. It found that UK production costs are significantly higher than those in the United States or the Middle East. As a result, the study recommends a strategic mix of domestic and imported ammonia/hydrogen to balance affordability and energy security.
Professor Agustin Valera-Medina, Director of the Net Zero Innovation Institute at Cardiff University who led the project said: "Ammonia, capable of delivering high hydrogen concentrations, can support the transition towards pure hydrogen in industries such as steelmaking and glass manufacturing, thus opening a potential for the use of a well established network to fully decarbonise high energy intensive processes".
Get involved
The GW‑SHIFT SPRINT scheme invites UK university researchers (particularly early‑career academics) to co-lead 3–6 month projects such as proof‑of‑principle, market validation, policy foresight, or horizon scanning, focused on boosting hydrogen and related technologies across South West England and South Wales. Initiatives must be co‑created with civic or industry partners, align with GW‑SHIFT’s KPIs, and demonstrate scale‑up and follow‑on funding potential. Applications are open until 31 October 2025.
Find out more about the SPRINT opportunity
