The invention relates to a method for the production of nitric acid having a concentration of between 50 and 76%, from ammonia and gas containing oxygen, under pressure, according to a single pressure method or dual pressure method. The expansion of the residual gas takes place in at least two stages in a work efficient manner. At least one device for heating the previously expanded gas to a temperature of more than 450.degree. is disposed between every other expansion stage, using waste heat from the production process of nitric acid.