IHI starts ammonia-fueled engine demo for land power generation

IHI Power Systems and IHI Corp. commenced demonstration of a land-based power generation plant powered by a 6,000 kW-class ammonia-fueled reciprocating engine at Ota Works in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, IHI said July 15.

Leveraging its work on ammonia-fueled marine engines, IPS is advancing the development of a land-based ammonia-fueled reciprocating engine capable of achieving ammonia fuel ratios and greenhouse gas emissions reductions of more than 90%, it said.

"Through this demonstration program, IPS will verify the safety and operability of the complete power generation system, including auxiliary facilities," it said in a statement.

"In addition to advancing ammonia conversion technologies for coal-fired boilers and developing 100% ammonia-fired gas turbines, the IHI Group is now extending ammonia-fueled reciprocating engine technology into the land-based power generation sector."

The demonstration testing is scheduled for completion during the Japanese fiscal year 2026 (April-March), with commercial sales planned to commence in fiscal year 2027, it said.

The IHI Group is promoting the expansion of the ammonia value chain through both fuel ammonia supply and development and fuel utilization combustion technologies of ammonia, it said.

"Through these efforts, IHI Group aims to expand its portfolio of power generation solutions capable of meeting the needs of customers striving towards a low-carbon society in Japan and around the world," it said.

Broad range of applications

The power generation system is intended for a broad range of applications, including industrial facilities, remote islands in Japan and overseas, data centers, mining operations, and industrial parks, where highly efficient low-carbon power sources are increasingly required.

The system is expected to provide a pathway for the gradual low-carbon transition of existing diesel power generation facilities fueled by heavy fuel oil or diesel, thereby supporting demand for fuel ammonia, it said.

"IPS will continue to pursue the development of fully ammonia-fueled engines with the ultimate goal of achieving zero CO2 emissions and contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society," it added.

Japan certified a low-carbon ammonia project developed by IHI and ACME in India's Odisha as part of the country's Yen 3 trillion ($18.5 billion) hydrogen price-gap subsidy, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said June 30.

Additionally, 177,000 mt/year of capacity has been earmarked under Japan's Long-Term Decarbonized Power Source Auction to supply decarbonized fuel to Japan's power sector over a long-term horizon, ACME said.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed the India Renewable Hydrogen Term Contract at $3.24/kg July 9, down 0.61% month over month.