A comprehensive comparison of green ammonia and green methanol from a full chain: production, transportation, storage and utilization

Abstract The global transition to renewable energy and hydrogen development has brought increasing attention to green ammonia and green methanol which can be produced from green hydrogen. Developing these green chemicals not only promotes their respective industries but also supports the development of hydrogen. A thorough investigation and comparison are essential to determine the priority and specific scenarios for developing energy sources aimed at supporting hydrogen or other sectors. However, previous reviews have typically focused either on specific aspects, such as production or utilization, or have conducted comprehensive analyses limited to only one energy carrier, lacking an integrated comparative approach. This study offers a comprehensive assessment of ammonia and methanol across six dimensions: technology readiness level, energy efficiency, safety, logistical convenience, economic viability, and environmental impact. The analysis shows that each carrier has a distinct development trajectory. Ammonia can be transported through established supply chains and cracked to hydrogen at the point of use, a capability that supports large-scale hydrogen deployment. In contrast, the greater technological maturity of methanol as a fuel positions it for near-term decarbonization of the transport sector rather than immediate integration into hydrogen infrastructure.