2025 Volume 90 Issue 2 Pages 61-66
Ammonia is expected to become one of the key carbon free fuels by its direct combustion technologies for decarbonization in the energy market. Japan launched Hydrogen Society Promotion Act in 2024 to support Hydrogen and Ammonia Supply Chain and Infrastructure developments through extensive support programs.
Ammonia direct combustion technologies are progressing well. Ammonia combustion in coal boilers is ready for commercial use after the success of large-scale demonstration in JERA’s IGW coal power plant in 2024, and commercial use is planned to start from 2027. 2 MW – 400 MW ammonia Gas Turbines are underdeveloped through 2020s, and various sizes of ammonia GTs will be commercialized in 2030s. Ammonia for maritime fuel is expected to become a global market, and developments of marine diesel engines are underway. Small ammonia engines have been installed in Tag Boat since August in 2024, and safety measures to use hazardous ammonia in engine room are under development. Large engines will be developed by 2026. Ammonia combustion burners for industrial furnaces are expected to be developed by 2025.
Various clean ammonia supply projects in which Japanese companies are involved are planned in US, Middle East, India and Australia.
Hub and Spoke system are planned to develop import terminals and utilization facilities in Japan by utilizing coastal tankers, tank lorries and railroad cars which can cover wider areas and range of demand efficiently. Currently, 8 hub terminals in 6 areas are proposed.
The expected demand in 2030 is 3MMtons mainly driven by combustion in coal power plants, and demand in small to medium size gas turbines, maritime fuel and industrial furnaces will be gradually created through 2030.
Clea fuel ammonia will be positioned to play a vital role in the decarbonization of various energy sectors with its versatility, efficiency and developed infrastructure technologies.
