RGU and McAlpha Inc pioneer breakthrough clean ammonia technology
Tuesday 08 July 2025
This innovative development promises a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable solution to a global challenge, positioning the partners at the forefront of industrial decarbonisation.
Ammonia production currently accounts for nearly 2% of global CO₂ emissions, producing approximately 450 million tons of CO₂ annually—more than the aviation industry. Traditional methods are energy-intensive and environmentally damaging.
The CMR technology, developed in collaboration between RGU’s School of Computing, Engineering and Technology and McAlpha Inc., provides a decentralised, low-emission alternative powered by renewable energy sources.
Supported by the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), the project combines electrocatalysis with advanced membrane technology, allowing for modular and scalable green ammonia synthesis using hydrogen from water and nitrogen from air. This innovation offers wide-ranging applications across agriculture, energy storage, and global decarbonisation strategies, while enabling rural communities to produce fertilizer locally and sustainably.
Professor Radhakrishna Prabhu of RGU’s School of Computing, Engineering and Technology said: “We’re changing the way fertiliser is made, making it cleaner, cheaper, and better for the planet. This innovation empowers communities to support food security while combating climate change.”
Ayo Giwa, President of McAlpha Inc, said: “The dedication of RGU’s research team has been instrumental in moving this technology closer to commercialisation. Our collaboration has inspired the creation of McAlpha UK, as we see the UK as a leader in clean energy and net zero development.”
Paul Robb, project manager at NZTC, said: “The Net Zero Technology Centre is proud to be part of this groundbreaking collaboration between Robert Gordon University and McAlpha UK.
"The development of the CMR represents a significant step forward in our mission to achieve net zero emissions. This innovative technology not only addresses the urgent need for cleaner ammonia production but also exemplifies the power of partnership between industry and academia to drive sustainable solutions.”
The project was funded through NZTC’s Net Zero R&D Programme, financed by The Scottish Government, The Scottish Funding Council, and Scottish Enterprise.
This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the transition to a low-carbon economy, setting McAlpha Inc. and RGU as leaders in the development of innovative solutions for industrial decarbonisation.