<p>Ammonia is a potential alternative carbon-free energy source. However, ammonia storage and transportation restrict deployment, as most jurisdictions impose strict regulations on ammonia handling due to its hazardous nature. In this Perspective, we describe solid-sorption technology and its development for ammonia–thermal combined storage. Combining ammonia and heat storage allows for sorption materials to achieve overall stored energy densities on the order of ~10 MJ l⁻¹. An ideal sorption material for ammonia storage will combine high energy density with long-term robustness and superior heat and mass transfer properties. Materials such as halides, hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks and graphene aerogels could be suitable for ammonia sorption. For example, metal–organic framework materials have been demonstrated in continuous operation for 4 years. Furthermore, safety risks common in conventional ammonia storage could be mitigated in sorption technology through bypassing the liquid phase. Considering green ammonia production and use could enable the identification and optimization of materials for multifunctional solid ammonia storage based on their thermodynamic and kinetic properties.</p>