Land-based, ammonia-fueled power generator approaches commercialization in Japan

IHI’s 6,000kW demonstration has commenced

Click to learn more. IPS’ land-based, ammonia-powered generator demonstration plant has commenced operational and safety testing in Japan. Source: IHI

IHI has announced that operations, demonstration and safety testing of a 6,000 kW-class ammonia-fueled reciprocating engine has commenced in Japan and will be completed by March 2027. Developed by subsidiary IHI Power Systems (IPS), the dual fuel engine is for land-based power generation applications such as data centers, industrial parks, and replacing diesel generators in remote locations (e.g. mining operations).

The testing will be undertaken at Ota Works in Gunma Prefecture, and will also scrutinise auxiliary elements of the engine, such as fuel supply facilities, exhaust gas after-treatment systems, and ammonia leak mitigation measures.

The engine is capable of operating in both ammonia-firing mode and conventional heavy fuel oil-fired mode, and is expected to achieve an ammonia fuel ratio and GHG emissions reduction rate exceeding 90%. The engine technology draws expertise from development of a 1,600kW-class engine installed onboard the Sakigake, an ammonia-fuelled tug boat, successfully operating in Yokohama harbor since August 2024. IPS has also collaborated with NYK Line on four-stroke ammonia-fueled marine engines.

Pending successful testing outcomes, commercial sales are scheduled to begin from Q2 2027.

This demonstration pilot continues to build on IHI’s determination to establish an ammonia fuel industry and value chain in Japan and globally. Project examples include signing agreements to retrofit boiler plants to use ammonia as a fuel, and progressively improving the technology so the ammonia combusting content has increased from 20% to 60% and now 100%.