Keppel ties up with Mitsubishi Heavy, DNV to explore ammonia-fuelled gas turbine

KEPPEL New Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keppel Infrastructure, is tying up with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and DNV to explore the adoption of an ammonia-fired gas turbine on Jurong Island in Singapore.

Keppel will study the feasibility of an ammonia-fuelled power plant and MHI will develop an ammonia-fired gas turbine with support from its power solutions brand Mitsubishi Power.

Meanwhile, DNV, an independent energy expert and assurance provider, will prepare and present a quantitative risk assessment, the companies said in a joint statement on Tuesday (Sep 27).

All 3 parties have inked a memorandum of understanding, which aims to draw up robust assessment guidelines to ensure the safety and sustainability of ammonia as a clean fuel, while maintaining efficiency and ensuring low nitrogen oxide emissions.

Ammonia, which has a higher volumetric density than hydrogen, is easier to store and distribute. It does not produce carbon dioxide when fired and is an efficient hydrogen carrier, the companies said.

The agreement comes months after Keppel Energy said it would develop Singapore’s first hydrogen-ready power plant, which will cost S$750 million. The power plant, to be located on Jurong Island, will be constructed by a consortium comprising Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific and Jurong Engineering.