N2O Abatement in Adipic Acid Production

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) Abatement in Adipic Acid Production

How Adipic Acid Abatement Can Support Climate Goals and Ozone Protection.

What’s the challenge?

Adipic acid is an organic compound primarily used in the production of nylon, foams, safety airbags, coatings, adhesives, and food additives. The production of adipic acid is a significant concern for climate change because it releases nitrous oxide (N₂O) as a byproduct.

Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas with a warming potential of up to 298 times that of carbon dioxide. Besides being a potent greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide is also the leading ongoing source for the depletion of the ozone layer.

The current annual production of adipic acid is estimated at 2.5 million metric tonnes. Although the growth of adipic acid production has slowed in some instances, it has still risen by 10% overall since 1990, and in some instances, continuing to grow. This presents a major concern for climate change mitigation efforts.

Industrial factory Silhouette in sunset.

How do adipic acid abatement methodologies work?

Adipic acid abatement involves the installation of technologies that prevent nitrous oxide gas from being vented into the atmosphere during the production of adipic acid. The Integrity Council has assessed the following methodologies for abating the nitrous oxide emissions:

N2O Abatement in Adipic Acid – This methodology under the Clean Development Mechanism was established in 2005 and refers to a methodology applicable to projects in which nitrous oxide from acid production plants is decomposed through catalytic or thermal processes. Emissions are abated through the installation of facilities that convert nitrous oxide into nitrogen, thereby preventing its release into the atmosphere.
Adipic Acid Production Protocol – The abatement of nitrous oxide emissions is sometimes deprioritised by adipic acid plants in favour of addressing other harmful pollutants which are subject to more stringent regulations. The Adipic Acid Production Protocol aims to motivate adipic acid plants to focus on cutting N2O emissions by offering incentives through carbon markets. This methodology covers both the adoption of new N2O reduction technologies and the improvement of existing systems, leading to an overall decrease in N2O emissions released into the atmosphere. Note that this protocol does not apply to adipic acid plants built after 30 September 2020.
Adipic Acid Production Protocol v1 – This protocol was established in October 2023 and it provides information on how to quantify, monitor, report, and verify nitrous oxide emissions reductions at facilities that produce adipic acid by implementing abatement technologies. The Protocol is designed to incentivise the installation and use of N2O emission control technology to reduce N2O emissions. The protocol mandates a minimum 90% abatement efficiency in the baseline for all adipic acid projects.

Co-benefits of these methodologies

Adipic acid abatement programs offer co-benefits beyond climate mitigation and reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Protection of the ozone layer, as nitrous oxide is a major ozone-depleting substance. A healthier ozone layer decreases harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth’s surface.
Air quality improvement by potentially reducing the emissions of other pollutants associated with industrial processes, such as volatile compounds and nitrous oxides.
Economic co-benefits due to the implementation of abatement technologies that can lead to long-term cost savings through improved process efficiencies.
Market opportunities that open with cleaner production processes, especially in regions with stringent environmental regulations or a high demand for green products.
Increased workplace safety by reducing the risk of exposure to harmful substances.