A recent study led by Qifu Lin from the Institute of Energy at the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center in China has explored an innovative approach to reducing carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants by co-firing ammonia with coal. Published in the journal Engineering, this research addresses a pressing need for low-carbon combustion technologies as the world grapples with the impacts of climate change.
The study reveals that ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel, can be effectively used in combination with coal, offering a practical solution to the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels. While a complete switch to ammonia is not feasible in the short term, co-combustion presents a viable pathway for reducing CO2 emissions in existing coal-fired power stations.
In the experimental setup, researchers modified the boiler of a 300-MW coal-fired power plant, integrating two layers of eight pure-ammonia burners. They tested co-combustion at varying proportions of ammonia, ranging from 10% to 20% by heat ratio, under different load conditions between 180 MW and 300 MW. The findings indicate that ammonia co-combustion can lead to a significant change in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, particularly as boiler oxygen levels fluctuate. Notably, ammonia burners in the middle of the combustion zone demonstrated superior performance in reducing emissions compared to those positioned higher up.
One of the encouraging outcomes of the study is that ammonia co-combustion maintained NH3 concentrations at the furnace outlet below 1 part per million (ppm), which is crucial for meeting environmental standards. Furthermore, while the thermal efficiency of the boiler experienced a slight decrease—by 0.12% to 0.38%—when operating at a co-combustion rate of 15 tons per hour, the overall impact on energy generation remains manageable.
This research opens up significant commercial opportunities for sectors involved in energy production and emissions control. Power plants can adopt ammonia co-firing as a transitional strategy, allowing them to reduce their carbon footprint while still utilizing existing coal infrastructure. This approach not only aligns with global carbon reduction goals but also offers a competitive edge to energy producers looking to innovate in a rapidly evolving market.
Qifu Lin emphasized the potential of this technology, stating that “ammonia co-combustion in coal-fired power plants is a potentially feasible technology route for carbon reduction.” As industries increasingly seek sustainable solutions, this study could pave the way for broader adoption of ammonia co-firing, contributing to a cleaner energy future.
The implications of this research are significant, particularly in regions heavily reliant on coal for power generation. As the energy sector faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions, the findings published in Engineering highlight a practical step forward in the quest for cleaner energy solutions.
