In a letter to energy minister Michael Shanks, lobby groups representing hydrogen, maritime, ports and more, said low-carbon ammonia could help deliver against the UK’s “strategic goals associated with hydrogen.”

It was signed by leaders of the Hydrogen Energy Association, Hydrogen UK, British Ports Association, Society of Maritime Industries and more.

Describing the hydrogen and nitrogen compound as “essential” to a “range of functions” within the sector, they urged the government to ensure clean ammonia is “explicitly integrated” into the country’s hydrogen strategy.

The call comes as the government is due to release a promised update to its national hydrogen strategy, billed as a pragmatic reset from the 2021 blueprint, which many argued had focused too narrowly on production.

Currently, the UK does not recognise ammonia within its strategy, meaning it is not eligible for subsidies or support.

However, the letter said low-carbon ammonia could help to decarbonise existing sectors like chemicals, explosives, textiles, water treatment, and fertilisers, as well as shipping and power generation.

“The revised hydrogen strategy should clearly set out ammonia’s role in both the short and long term,” it stated. “Doing so would send a strong signal that the UK is serious about building a competitive, resilient hydrogen economy.”

It follows the launch of a new UK ammonia coalition to push for policy recognition of ammonia, with plans to launch recommendations in November.