Decarbonization

Ammonia-Enriched Fuel Gas Significantly Reduces Emissions

This study recommends favoring the combustion of ammonia over hydrogen for the purpose of reducing CO₂ and nitrogen emissions.

Aerial view of Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plant.
Source: Asia-Pacific Images Studio/Getty Images.

Within the dynamic shift toward sustainable energy, gas turbines (GTs) will assume a critical role for power generation. GTs now can operate with fuel-gas blends rich in either hydrogen or ammonia. Based on the results presented in this paper, a recommendation emerges for the refining and petrochemical industries to favor the combustion of ammonia over hydrogen for the purpose of reducing CO2 and NOx emissions. This study suggests that green hydrogen should be used to produce electricity or green chemicals instead of being burned for fuel.

Evaluating CO2 and NOx Emissions from GTs

While CO2 emissions are determined directly from combustion chemistry, the estimation of NOx emissions requires more-sophisticated methods. Two main paths exist to the formation of NOx in combustion systems—thermal NOx and fuel NOx. Thermal NOx usually is produced by the oxidation of nitrogen, found in air, at high temperatures.

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