IHI, GE Vernova complete large ammonia gas turbine test facility

IHI Corporation and GE Vernova announced the completion of a new Large-scale Combustion Test facility (LCT) at IHI’s Aioi Works facility in Hyogo, Japan.

The facility is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the capabilities of next-generation combustion technologies using ammonia, a derivative from hydrogen, which is carbon-free, and when combusted the gas turbine would not emit any net CO2 emissions. The new test facility is engineered to test advanced combustion systems at GE Vernova’s F-class gas turbine operating conditions, including pressure, temperature, and both air and fuel flow rates.

“This milestone marks a significant step forward in the joint technology roadmap sealed with a Joint Development Agreement in 2024 aiming to lead to a 100% ammonia capable combustion system by 2030” said Kensuke Yamamoto, IHI Executive Officer, VP of Business Development Division and GM of Ammonia Value Chain Project Department. “IHI has developed a 100% ammonia firing gas turbine IM270 (output 2MW) and will level the technology to develop large-scale combustion technology. IHI’s combustor development role lies this new flagship test facility, which will be a crucial hub for IHI’s and GE Vernova’s project. The establishment of the LCT underscores IHI’s and GE Vernova’s commitment to driving innovation in more sustainable energy solutions, with ammonia as a promising fuel for future power generation.”

Starting in the summer of 2025, IHI plans to conduct rigorous combustion tests using full scale prototype combustors operating on 100% ammonia, aiming to develop a commercially viable gas turbine by 2030. The collaboration between the two companies includes synergies across IHI ammonia combustion expertise and GE Vernova global technical teams, and shared best practices developed at GE Vernova’s advanced combustion test facility in Greenville, South Carolina, USA.

“This announcement signals a shift from initial studies on the ammonia value chain to the practical implementation of technologies and engineering projects, aiming to decarbonize power generation by using ammonia as a fuel,” said Jeffrey Goldmeer, GE Vernova Senior Director, Technology Strategy. “This marks a new phase of collaboration between GE Vernova and IHI, with the goal of developing decarbonization pathways that safeguard existing power generation investments.”

www.gevernova.com