(Photo: Hsu Tsu-lin)
Thai state-owned oil and gas firm PTT and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific (MHI-AP) have started a collaborative pre-feasibility study into utilizing 100% ammonia in gas turbine power generation in Thailand.
The study is a response to Thailand’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, with a particular focus on reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector.
According to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two companies, both committed to evaluating the economic viability of using ammonia as a fuel for power generation.
They will evaluate the potential demand for green power generated from ammonia.
The study will also address logistics and safety considerations regarding ammonia, including its storage, handling and transportation to power plants.
Moreover, MHI-AP and PTT will identify suitable sites and timelines for establishing a 100% ammonia direct combustion gas turbine power plant. The collaboration will also foster the development of an ammonia supply chain in Thailand.
In February of this year, Mitsubishi Power, a division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, received an order to provide a combined cycle gas turbine (GTCC) system for the Navoi 3 project in Uzbekistan. It will produce 600 MW of electricity and 200 Gcal of heat and marks the third GTCC equipment order for the Navoi power plant.
In December 2023, Mitsubishi Power and Centrica revealed plans for an ammonia-fired power plant in Cork, Ireland. The proposed facility, set to be located at Bord Gáis Energy’s Whitegate GTCC power station, will be Europe’s first project of its. The partnership between the two companies includes the signing of an MOU for its exploration, construction and operation.
In November 2023, Mitsubishi Power successfully conducted a fuel blend test using a mixture of 30% hydrogen and natural gas at both partial and full loads on a J-series air-cooled gas turbine.
The demonstration took place at the T-Point 2 combined cycle power plant validation facility, situated within the Takasago hydrogen park in Takasago City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
In its National Energy Plan, Thailand has announced its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero emissions by 2065. Collaboration with Japan is anticipated to play a significant role in helping Thailand achieve these targets. Apart from ammonia, the two countries are expected to enhance cooperation on other decarbonization technologies, including hydrogen.
