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Japan's JERA begins ammonia co-firing trial at coal power station

JERA said on Monday it has started a demonstration of cofiring 20% of ammonia with coal at its Hekinan thermal power station in central Japan, in what it said is the world's very first trial using a large amount of the gas at a significant business plant.

Japan's top power generator at first prepared to begin the trial from March 26, however it was delayed for about a week as the testing of devices and other things required time to ensure security.

The trial might move Japan, the world's fifth-biggest CO2 emitter, a step more detailed to its goal of utilizing ammonia and hydrogen in thermal power generation to help in reaching its 2050 objective of carbon neutrality.

Ecologists have criticized the relocation as a way to extend the life of dirty coal-fired power generation.

JERA, a joint endeavor in between Tokyo Electric Power and Chubu Electric Power, will conduct the trial, together with heavy machinery maker IHI, for about 3 months to inspect characteristics of the plant overall, consisting of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and the impact on boilers and ancillary equipment.

Ammonia is generally made from hydrogen produced from natural gas and nitrogen from the air. It does not release carbon dioxide( CO2) when burned, but its production releases emissions if it is made with fossil fuels.

Ammonia is an effective, inexpensive methods of transferring and storing hydrogen, JERA stated in a statement, adding other benefits consist of direct utilization as a fuel in thermal power generation.

This task is essential as it might provide a low-cost very first step to quickly advance the decarbonisation in nations like Japan that require thermal power generation as an adjustable power source to guarantee a steady supply of energy, JERA stated.

JERA aims to begin ammonia co-firing on a business basis at Hekinan No. 4 system as early as 2027 and a trial of changing 50% of coal with ammonia at its No. 5 unit in around 2028.

(source: Reuters)