MIT researchers have identified public health risks from the substitution of diesel for ammonia in container ship engines. These vessels contribute about 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, negatively impacting air quality and causing about 100,000 premature deaths annually.
The negative impact of ammonia fuel on health
The International Maritime Organizationseeks to decarbonize the sector through the use of sustainable fuels such as ammonia. While this fuel may be produced in a near carbon-neutral manner, a recent study warns that its combustion could worsen air quality if not accompanied by stricter regulations on emissions. In fact, ammonia combustion releases nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, and other pollutants that can be extremely harmful to human health.
On the other hand, the study indicates that under current legislation, switching to ammonia as a fuel could result in up to 600,000 additional premature deaths per year. However, with more stringent legislation and cleaner engine technology, this number could be reduced, avoiding approximately 66,000 premature deaths annually compared to current shipping emissions.
Strict use of policies and technologies for a clean future
Anthony Wong, a researcher at MIT’s Global Change Science Center and lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of combining the development of new technologies with appropriate policies. For example, improved engine technology and the introduction of catalytic converters could optimize ammonia burning and reduce pollutants emitted. In addition, different policy scenarios were considered that could implement stricter emission limits in North America and Western Europe as well as globally.
The researchers hope that these findings will encourage the maritime industry to collaborate on improving engine technologies and push for an urgent update of emissions standards. This work, funded by the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium, seeks to provide a sound basis for future policy and technology decisions.
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Source and photo: MIT News
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