Toward decarbonization, research and development is underway to operate power plants using ammonia, which does not emit carbon dioxide when burned, as fuel.

JERA, the largest thermal power generation company in Japan, will start a demonstration experiment in August at the Hekinan Thermal Power Station in Aichi Prefecture to generate electricity by mixing ammonia with coal in cooperation with IHI, a major machinery manufacturer.



Ammonia does not emit carbon dioxide when burned.



JERA plans to start by mixing a small amount and raise the ratio of ammonia to 20% in 2024 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by that amount.



Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has embarked on the development of a turbine that runs on 100% ammonia as fuel.



Ammonia produces harmful nitrogen oxides when burned, but we are aiming to put it into practical use after 2025 and introduce it to power plants by delicately adjusting the amount of air to reduce emissions.



Although international criticism of coal-fired power generation is increasing, there is a growing movement in the electric power industry to use ammonia as fuel to decarbonize existing power plants while operating them.