A 1.65-MW wind turbine in Morris, Minnesota, demonstrates that wind energy can produce more than electricity. The University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) uses the turbine's power at an on-site chemical plant to create carbon-free ammonia fertilizer from wind, water, and air.

The Haber-Bosch process, which combines atmospheric nitrogen with natural gas or coal, accounts for 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions and feeds nearly 50% of the world's population. U.S. agriculture contributes roughly 10% of national emissions, while farmers spend nearly $1 billion annually on imported synthetic fertilizer, leaving them vulnerable to supply chain shocks and price volatility.

At the WCROC pilot plant, electrolyzers split water into hydrogen and oxygen using wind energy, while an air-separation unit captures nitrogen. These gases combine under pressure to produce approximately one metric ton of green ammonia daily, stored on-site and distributed to local farms.

This system proves decarbonizing agriculture is achievable, offering farmers economic resilience, reduced import dependence, and lower carbon footprints while securing national food supply.