Ammonia (NH3) is expected to be a next-generation clean energy source that can help reduce the impact of climate change, not only because it transports hydrogen efficiently, but also because it does not emit CO2 when combusted.
The IHI Group is developing power generation technology that uses fuel ammonia, leveraging the combustion technologies it has cultivated for thermal power generation. In addition, the Group is developing reciprocating engines and gas turbines that use ammonia as fuel by utilizing its combustion technology and design technology. Moreover, the Group is preparing the infrastructure for more widespread fuel ammonia by constructing an ammonia value chain covering every stage from production to consumption.
Realizing a Carbon Neutral Society Through the Use of Fuel Ammonia
Demonstrating the World’s First Large-Scale Commercial Coal-Fired Power Generator Using 20% Ammonia Fuel
Since June 2021, IHI has been working in tandem with JERA Co., Inc. to demonstrate “Development of Technologies for Carbon Recycling and Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation/Research, Development, and Demonstration of Technologies for Ammonia Co-Firing Thermal Power Generation,” a project subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). In this project, IHI demonstrates the world’s first test of large-volume fuel ammonia substitution for a large-scale commercial coal-fired power generator at Hekinan Thermal Power Station Unit 4. On April 10, 2024, a 20% conversion to fuel ammonia was achieved during operation, at a rated output of 1 GW, and in June 2024 verification testing confirmed that nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions were equal or lower by switching over to using fuel ammonia, while sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions were around 20% lower.
IHI will work to establish a combustion technology that increases the ammonia ratio to more than 50% at thermal power plants and develop burners for 100% ammonia combustion, based on the knowledge gained through the demonstration test.
Toward the Commercialization of Gas Turbines Using 100% Ammonia
As commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), IHI has been working to develop the technology for a 2 MW-class gas turbine that achieves combustion by directly spraying liquid ammonia into the combustion chamber. In June 2022, IHI succeeded in achieving the world’s first 100% combustion of liquid ammonia, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 99% during combustion.
To realize commercial implementation of this technology, endurance tests have been conducted at IHI’s Aioi Office since July 2024, and the gas turbine is operating at the planned output. The tests have confirmed that emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx), an air pollutant, and nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas, were efficiently controlled. The electric power generated in this test was used at the Aioi Office.
IHI aims to commercialize ammonia-fueled gas turbines by 2026.
IHI-built IM270 2,000 kW-class gas turbine used in the long-term endurance testing at the Aioi Office
Demonstration Voyage of Sakigake, the World’s First Ammonia-Fueled Tugboat
IHI Power Systems, in collaboration with several other companies including Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), has been undertaking R&D work as part of the “Development of vessels equipped with domestically produced ammonia-fueled engines” project sponsored by the NEDO.
Sakigake, an ammonia-fueled tugboat that was completed on August 23, 2024, successfully finished a three-month demonstration voyage in November 2024. The demonstration voyage constituted verification testing for what is the world’s first ammonia-fueled vessel; Sakigake achieved an approximately 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to when heavy fuel oil is used.
As part of the same project, NYK and IHI Power Systems have been working together with Japan Engine Corporation and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. to develop the world’s first ammonia-fueled ammonia transport vessel, which is scheduled for completion in November 2026.
Ammonia-fueled tugboat “Sakigake”
Ammonia Value Chain
Worldwide ammonia production reached approximately 200 million tons in 2019, and it is already widely used as a raw material for fertilizers and chemical products. In Japan, around 1.1 million tons of ammonia are consumed annually, primarily for fertilizer applications.
However, the demand for ammonia as a fuel for power generation is expected to grow significantly in the future. For instance, if major Japanese electric power companies were to implement 20% ammonia co-firing at all their thermal power plants, they would require approximately 20 million tons of ammonia* annually.
To meet the increasing fuel demand driven by expanded ammonia use, comprehensive infrastructure will be essential not only for large-scale production but also for transportation and storage, like the distribution network established for LNG.
The IHI Group will be involved in various processes in the ammonia value chain from production to use, including developing carbon-free manufacturing technologies and engineering and constructing liquid ammonia receiving sites and utilization equipment supply.
Source: FY2020 Annual Report on Energy (Energy White Paper 2021)
This site（www.ihi.co.jp）uses cookies so that customers can use the website more comfortably.
Please confirm that you agree to use of cookies by clicking OK.
For more information about the use of cookies on this site, please review our Privacy Policy.
