Ammonia, a carbon-free hydrogen derivative, is poised to cut power sector emissions, vital for thermal stations and energy transition support.
US-based GE Vernova and Japanese firm IHI Corporation have joined forces in a promising venture to reduce carbon emissions in the power sector.
In a recent announcement, the company revealed its plans to advance technology and engineering to develop a new gas turbine combustor capable of utilizing ammonia as a viable fuel for power generation by 2030.
This collaboration follows earlier collaborations between the companies, demonstrating a commitment to progress in sustainable energy solutions. It also builds upon IHI’s notable achievement in developing a 2-megawatt (MW) gas turbine that operates on 100 percent liquid ammonia.
The success of IHI’s project marks a significant milestone, showcasing the potential of ammonia combustion in drastically reducing greenhouse gases, including nitrous oxide (N2O). With emissions reduced by over 99 percent, this advancement paves the way for cleaner and more efficient power generation, according to the companies.
Furthering design
The companies plan to initiate a crucial engineering phase to evaluate combustion technology concepts for their suitability in meeting key operational requirements while considering the overall impact on power plants.
This phase focuses on developing a two-stage combustor capable of burning up to 100 percent ammonia, ensuring compliance with emission regulations.
The collaborative effort between GE Vernova and IHI will see the development of a novel combustor design, with combustion testing set to occur at IHI’s facilities in Japan. This testing phase is essential for refining the new combustor design and ensuring its readiness for implementation.
One of the significant advantages of this new combustor is its potential to decarbonize existing gas turbine power plants. Offering an alternative path to reducing carbon emissions, it provides an opportunity to upgrade conventional fuel-operated power plants without necessitating the replacement of the entire gas turbine.
The upgrade process involves a straightforward transition: swapping the natural gas combustor for the new ammonia combustor with minimal adjustments to the fuel system and associated balance of plant systems.
This streamlined approach offers a practical and cost-effective solution for transitioning towards cleaner energy generation without significant infrastructure changes, according to GE Vernova.
“Among the various hydrogen carriers, ammonia represents a truly viable pathway to decarbonization for fuel importers like Japan. Ammonia is characterized by high volumetric hydrogen density and has a well-established handling infrastructure deployed globally. IHI’s ammonia combustion technologies can enable the direct use of ammonia as a carbon neutral fuel,” said Kensuke Yamamoto, IHI VP of Business Development HQ’s and GM of the Ammonia Value Chain Project Department, in a statement.
Field testing
Following the October 2023 three-way MOU involving Sembcorp, IHI, and GE Vernova, plans are underway to explore the potential retrofitting of an ammonia combustor at Sembcorp’s Sakra power plant in Singapore. The plant currently operates on GE Vernova’s 9F gas turbine.
This project promises to assist Sembcorp in generating low-carbon energy using its existing power plant assets. Moreover, it aligns with Singapore’s goals of diversifying its energy sources and decarbonizing the power sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s sustainability efforts.
The initiative is anticipated to facilitate the adoption of cleaner energy technologies and boost industry confidence in developing an ammonia value chain in Singapore.
This collaborative endeavor underscores a commitment to innovation and sustainability, marking a significant step towards a greener future for the region, according to GE Vernova.
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