GE Vernova and IHI Forge Path to Carbon-Free Power with Ammonia Combustion

GE Vernova has joined forces with the Japanese engineering powerhouse IHI to propel the development of a groundbreaking gas turbine combustor fueled by ammonia.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the global agenda to curb carbon emissions in the power sector, offering a promising pathway to carbon-free combustion processes.

Derived from hydrogen, ammonia emerges as a carbon-free contender for combustion processes in gas turbines. The partnership between GE Vernova and IHI seeks to harness the potential of ammonia to revolutionize the power generation landscape. Ammonia’s unique properties position it as a viable alternative fuel, contributing to the global efforts in reducing the carbon footprint of the power sector.

The collaboration aims to spearhead the development of the next phase of technology and engineering specifically tailored for the gas turbine combustion system. This new system is anticipated to be seamlessly compatible with GE Vernova’s 6F.03, 7F, and 9F gas turbines, showcasing a commitment to technological integration and advancement.

Building on their previous memoranda of understanding, GE Vernova and IHI draw inspiration from IHI’s success in developing a 2MW gas turbine powered exclusively by liquid ammonia. This pioneering project achieved an astounding reduction of over 99 percent in greenhouse gases, including the notorious nitrous oxide (N₂O), through the combustion of ammonia.

The collaborative endeavor is set to push the boundaries of innovation further by aspiring to develop a two-stage combustor. This advanced technology aims to enable the burning of up to 100 percent ammonia while adhering to stringent emission standards. The combustion testing crucial for refining this cutting-edge combustor design will take place at IHI’s facilities in Japan.

What makes this initiative even more impactful is its potential to extend the reach of decarbonization to existing gas turbine facilities. The technology envisioned by GE Vernova and IHI allows power plants to seamlessly transition from conventional fuels to ammonia with minimal upgrades. This forward-thinking approach mitigates the need to replace current turbines, providing a practical and economically viable decarbonization solution for existing investments in power generation.

Jeffrey Goldmeer, the Hydrogen Value Chain Director at GE Vernova, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration’s evolution. Having spent two years collectively studying the economics of the ammonia value chain, the partners are now embarking on a new chapter. The focus is on advancing technology and engineering in line with their shared ammonia roadmap, aimed at developing decarbonization pathways that not only meet current sustainability goals but also future-proof existing investments in power generation.

As the world seeks transformative solutions for sustainable power, the collaboration between GE Vernova and IHI stands out as a beacon of innovation, marking a significant stride towards a carbon-free future in the realm of gas turbine power generation.