Date of Award

5-28-2025

Publication Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.Sc.

Department

Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering

Keywords

Clean Energy; Clean Urea Production; Commercial Greenhouse; Green Ammonia Production; Small Modular Reactor; Techno-Economic Analysis

Supervisor

David Ting

Supervisor

Rupp Carriveau

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

This thesis investigates the integration of clean energy technologies, including wind power, green ammonia and urea synthesis, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with commercial greenhouse operations. Through detailed techno-economic assessments with environmental benefits, the study evaluates the feasibility of decarbonizing both energy supply and fertilizer production in greenhouse agriculture. The thesis is structured into three complementary phases. In the first phase, an integrated wind-powered greenhouse system coupled with on-site green ammonia production is assessed. While the Levelized Cost of Ammonia (LCOA) ranges from USD 530 to 1,600 per metric ton depending on electricity prices, the system also offers significant emissions reductions, including a potential annual reduction of 3,134 metric tons of CO2 when surplus hydrogen is used in hydrogen-fired Combined Heat & Power (CHP) engines. The second phase extends the analysis to green urea production, achieving a competitive Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 23.3% and a payback period (PBT) of 4.2 years under favorable market conditions while enabling the opportunity of near-zero or even carbon-negative greenhouse operations. The final phase explores SMR-powered systems that eliminate reliance on both the electrical grid and natural gas. Although the Levelized Cost of Urea (LCOU) in this configuration is higher at USD 1,394 per metric ton, the system offers long-term sustainability and zero direct emissions, supporting decentralized, year-round agricultural production. Overall, this thesis demonstrates that while economic challenges remain, integrating clean energy systems into greenhouse and fertilizer production presents a promising pathway toward carbon-neutral agriculture. The findings offer strategic insights for policymakers, researchers, and growers, highlighting how renewable energy and nuclear technologies can work in synergy to create resilient, low-emission agricultural systems in regions like Southwestern Ontario.

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