This Startup Makes Ammonia By Turning The Planet Into A Chemical Reactor
- ByStartupStory | December 5, 2025
Addis Energy Raises $8.3 Mn Seed To Commercialize Underground Ammonia Synthesis
Addis Energy, a climate tech startup founded by MIT researchers and oil & gas veterans, has raised $8.3 million in seed funding led by At One Ventures to scale its breakthrough process that transforms underground geological formations into natural chemical reactors for producing ammonia. The total funding now exceeds $17 million, with plans for the first field pilot using Earth’s heat, pressure, and iron-rich rocks to generate ammonia at one-third the cost of traditional methods.
Haber-Bosch Disruption Via Geochemical Innovation
Traditional ammonia production via the century-old Haber-Bosch process consumes 2% of global energy and emits 1.8% of CO2, fueling fertilizers (80% of crop yields) and emerging clean fuels for shipping/aviation. Addis injects water, nitrogen (nitrates), and catalysts into iron-rich subsurface rocks (130°C, 2 atm pressure—drillable depths), where oxygen oxidizes iron to release hydrogen that reacts with nitrogen, yielding ammonia continuously.
MIT Professor Iwnetim Abate’s lab validated 40,000 kg/day per well potential at $0.20-0.55/kg versus $0.40/kg fossil-based. Co-founders Michael Alexander (CEO, ex-oil/gas) and Charlie Mitchell leverage drilling tech: “Novel chemistry wrapped in familiar oilfield operations.”
Field Pilot And Commercial Roadmap
Seed proceeds fund prototype-to-pilot transition, site selection (iron formations), and reaction sustainability—controlling oxidized iron layers for perpetual operation. At One Ventures’ Hemant Taneja hailed: “Geological reactors unlock net energy-positive ammonia at scale.”
Pillar VC and Engine Ventures joined, backing scalability: existing wells repurpose for green chemicals. Applications span fertilizers (decarbonizing $200B market), maritime fuel (Amogy-style), and industrial feedstock.
Massive Market And Execution Edge
Ammonia demand triples by 2050 for food/security/green hydrogen carrier. Addis targets modular systems deployable anywhere, slashing capex 70% via “free” geothermal energy. Challenges: field validation, catalyst longevity, nitrate sourcing. Strengths: proven lab yields, oil/gas operational expertise, MIT IP. Addis reimagines chemical manufacturing—harnessing planetary reactors for sustainable ammonia at industrial scale—positioning as fertilizer/fuel revolution leader.
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