by FAYYADH JAAFAR / pic source: tnb.com.my

TENAGA Nasional Berhad’s (TNB) wholly owned subsidiaries, TNB Research Sdn Bhd (TNBR) and TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TNB Genco), have conducted an ammonia co-combustion test as part of a joint initiative to decarbonise the country’s power sector.

Done together with IHI Power System (M) Sdn Bhd and Petronas Hydrogen Sdn Bhd, the test was carried out at TNBR’s test rig facility in Kajang, Selangor, and involved the use of IHI Power System’s ammonia-fuelled co-combustion burner.

The test was led by IHI Power System, an expert in the development of ammonia combustion technology. 

Petronas Hydrogen’s role in the experiment is in supplying ammonia and the associated equipment, while TNBR supported the experiment through co-combustion execution that includes manpower, utility and measurement devices.

TNB Genco provided three types of coal that are currently being used in its existing coal power plant for the experiment.

The main objective of the experiment is to determine the impact of co-firing ammonia as a carbon-free fuel together with coal in a coal-fired power generation system.

“Theoretically, ammonia co-firing could significantly reduce CO2 emissions, which suppresses nitrogen oxides while stabilising combustion.

“The ammonia ratio is increased gradually from 0% up to 60% for each coal type experiment. Besides CO2 emission, the test is to observe the impact on boilers, flame stability, amount of unburned coal, flue gas properties, sulphur oxide measurement, coal slagging and fouling,” TNB said in a statement today.

As part of TNB’s efforts to explore decarbonisation opportunities in tandem with its Sustainability Pathway and in supporting the government’s initiative to reach 45% greenhouse gas intensity reduction in 2030, TNB has been actively pursuing research into alternative fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen and biofuels.