A greener way to feed the world is one step closer with Jupiter Ionics’ $9 MM capital raise to progress their electrochemical green ammonia technology. This technology has transformative potential as ammonia is the essential ingredient producing fertilizer and a key enabler of the low-carbon energy transition.
Traditional ammonia production is very carbon intensive which is why Jupiter Ionics’ use of electrolysis to make ammonia — with potentially zero carbon emissions — is so revolutionary for global food production and the broader energy transition. Green ammonia will have a range of uses in a low-carbon future, including as a fuel in its own right, in international shipping and as a store of H2.
Jupiter Ionics utilizes a patented electrochemical process developed by researchers at Monash University to produce green ammonia using air, water and renewable energy. The MacFarlane Simonov Ammonia Cell, a breakthrough electrolytic cell, demonstrates 100% selectivity in ammonia generation with good stability in lab tests.
The technology is scalable and modular, aiming to produce carbon-neutral ammonia for fertilizers. The process involves feeding nitrogen and water into the cell, where H2 atoms are stripped off water molecules and combined with nitrogen to form ammonia.
This process is driven by renewable electricity, resulting in green ammonia without associated CO2 emissions. The extracted green ammonia can be stored as a liquid for various applications, including as a clean energy source or a substitute for fossil fuels.
The funding will go towards accelerating the scale up of a self-contained system that takes in water, air and renewable energy and produces ammonia. CEO Dr Charlie Day said three new investors, Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilizers, CIMIC Group, and Breakthrough Victoria, joined original investors, Tenacious Ventures, Monash Investment Holdings, JCVC and Olabella, to continue advancing the shift to a net zero future.
“We’ve made great strides over our first few years as a company, and this investment will help us integrate our technology into larger prototypes and accelerate our path to market,” he said.
CIMIC Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria said, “Production of carbon-neutral, green ammonia is key to enabling ammonia-fueled transport and the export of renewable energy. This capital raise is a positive step towards commercializing Jupiter Ionics’ electrochemical technology.”
Monash University CCO and Jupiter Board member Alastair Hick said accelerating the scaling up of green ammonia production with innovative technologies has never been more critical.
“Jupiter Ionics is making great progress towards achieving a significant global impact and we’re delighted to be part of that,” he said. CEO Grant Dooley said Breakthrough Victoria was excited to invest in Jupiter Ionics and their mission to make ammonia production more sustainable and decarbonize agricultural production systems.
“This investment aligns with our commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address both environmental and economic challenges and represents an important sovereign capability for Australian agriculture,” he said. The funding comes a year after Jupiter Ionics’ technology was recognized by a range of leading international bodies, including the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Nature Awards spinoff prize.