Exploring ammonia retrofits at the Sakra power plant, Singapore

Sembcorp, IHI and GE Vernova: ammonia-fired gas turbines on Jurong Island

The trio will explore potential retrofits to existing gas turbines at the Sakra power plant to run on 100% ammonia fuel. The new partnership builds on two earlier agreements: one between Sembcorp and IHI to investigate direct ammonia combustion systems for industrial decarbonization, and one between IHI and GE to develop retrofits to enable specific GE turbine models to run on 100% ammonia fuel.

Sembcorp currently operates two gas-fired cogeneration plants on Jurong Island: the 815 MW capacity Sakra plant, and the neighboring 404 MW capacity Banyan plant. The Sakra plant features two GE 9FA turbines, which are among the models IHI & GE are targeting for development of a “retrofittable” ammonia combustion system.

Sembcorp Cogen @ Sakra was Singapore’s largest and most efficient cogeneration plant when it was commissioned in 2001. We are now taking the next step to support decarbonisation efforts through the potential retrofitting of the power plant with ammonia-firing capabilities. As the pioneer in adopting technologies to reduce carbon footprint, Sembcorp remains committed to decarbonise the power generation sector and drive energy transition.

Koh Chiap Khiong, CEO, Singapore & Southeast Asia, Sembcorp Industries in IHI’s official press release, 23 Oct 2023

IHI is developing ammonia combustion technologies and infrastructure solutions that can be safely retrofitted to existing power generation facilities, thereby establishing true reductions in carbon emissions. The ability to retrofit such technologies also provides decarbonisation pathways that future-proof existing investments in power generation.

Jun Kobayashi, Board Director, Managing Executive Officer, IHI Corporation in his organisation’s official press release, 23 Oct 2023

We hope that this collaboration will pave the way for power plant operators to adopt carbon-free combustion fuels such as ammonia in GE gas turbines, to significantly contribute towards lowering carbon emissions in the power sector in Asia and globally.

Ramesh Singaram, President and CEO of GE Gas Power Asia in IHI’s official press release, 23 Oct 2023

Also under-development on Jurong Island is the Keppel Sakra Cogen plant, a 600 MW capacity plant that will be able to co-fire 30% hydrogen in its turbines as soon as it begins operations in 2026. Keppel already operates 1.3 GW of gas-fired turbine capacity on Jurong Island.

Shortlist announced for ammonia power generation, bunkering pilots on Jurong

Announced last December, an ammonia-focused project from Singapore’s Maritime & Port Authority and Energy Market Authority has progressed to the next phase. Proposals were invited for establishing an ammonia-fired power generation plant (50 MW, 75% load factor combined cycle gas turbines, either directly ammonia fed or fed with cracked hydrogen), and associated ammonia bunkering facility (minimum 100,000 tonnes per year capacity). Although the involved parties have not been revealed, six proposals have now been shortlisted, with a final announcement expected next year.