JERA launches world’s first 20% ammonia substitution testing at Hekinan power station

JERA has launched groundbreaking demonstration testing of large-scale fuel ammonia substitution at a Japanese power station. The pioneering project was started on April 1 at Hekinan Thermal Power Station, a coal-fired facility in Aichi Prefecture.

JERA says the world’s first demonstration testing of 20% (of heating value) ammonia substitution at a large-scale commercial power plant is a pivotal step towards sustainable energy solutions.

It is part of a collaborative project with IHI Corporation, funded by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation), and is due to run until June 2024. “This demonstration testing substantialises JERA’s commitment to energy transition,” says the company.

Promising future fuel

Ammonia is widely viewed as an efficient, low-cost means of transporting and storing hydrogen. “In addition to the role as an energy carrier, it can also be used directly as a fuel in thermal power generation,” explains JERA. “Because it does not emit carbon dioxide when burned, fuel ammonia has the major advantage of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

JERA and IHI are working together on the development of technologies for carbon recycling and next-generation thermal power generation/research, development, and the demonstration of technologies for ammonia co-firing thermal power generation.

Route to sustainable energy supplies

JERA says the testing project is important as it may offer a “low-cost first step” to quickly advance decarbonisation in countries like Japan that require thermal power generation as an adjustable energy source to ensure stable supply.

Looking to reduce future environmental impact, testing will evaluate both boiler heat absorption and environmental impact characteristics such as exhaust gases, the company explains.

The broader project began in July 2021 and is scheduled to run until March 2025. Since October 2022, JERA and IHI have been constructing the burners, tank, vaporiser, piping, and other facilities necessary for the testing phase.

Ammonia in the spotlight

Large-scale demonstration testing will examine characteristics of the plant overall, investigate nitrogen oxide emissions, and confirm factors such as operability and impact on boilers and ancillary equipment.

JERA and IHI will then seek to establish technology for mainstream fuel ammonia adoption and use in thermal power generation by March 2025.