Ammonia-fired boilers for MW-scale industrial operations
By on November 09, 2025
Amburn project successfully tests 100% ammonia-fed, 500 kW unit
Click to learn more. The Amburn project’s 100% ammonia-fed, 500 kW boiler system during testing. Source: Cardiff University.
The Cardiff University and Flogas joint project recently announced successful testing of a 100% ammonia-fed, 500 kW boiler system. Building on the first phase of testing (300 kW, ammonia-propane blends to assist combustion), the joint project is now focused on achieving MW-scale test conditions, followed by commercialisation of the system. The two-year, £3.4 million research project is funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero as part of the £55 million Industrial Fuel Switching Competition, and was launched in 2023.
We are delighted to announce this significant milestone – the successful combustion of pure ammonia using our novel Integrated Cracking Burner (ICB) system. This achievement, made possible through outstanding teamwork, scientific excellence, and the commitment of our amazing personnel, demonstrates the highest standards of health and safety in action. We are especially grateful for the significant contribution of our industrial partner, Flogas Britain, whose support has been invaluable. The ICB system not only burns ammonia cleanly but also produces hydrogen to support ammonia combustion by cracking ammonia with waste heat from combustion, eliminating the challenges of hydrogen transport and storage. This innovation represents a major step forward in achieving maximum decarbonisation and creating real scientific and industrial value.
Syed Mashruk, Zero Carbon Fuels theme leader at Cardiff University’s Net Zero Innovation Institute (NZII), in his organisation’s official press release, 29 Oct 2025
“Integrated Cracking Burner” system
Although 100% ammonia-fed, the Amburn project integrates ammonia cracking into the overall system. Using waste heat from combustion, ammonia cracking produces enough hydrogen to support ammonia combustion, omitting the need for pilot fuel. The project is targeting the use of 4.5 million tons of oil fuel every year at off-grid industrial sites in the UK.