Baker Hughes and Hanwha have announced a partnership to develop 16MW ammonia-powered turbines targeting the maritime and power generation industries. This collaboration marks a significant step toward sustainable shipping and power solutions.
Key Development Plans
The Joint Development and Collaboration Agreement (JDCA) between Baker Hughes, Hanwha Power Systems, and Hanwha Ocean focuses on creating small-size gas turbines primarily for vessel propulsion systems. The partnership combines Baker Hughes’ turbine expertise with Hanwha’s ammonia combustion technology.
The development timeline includes:
- Full engine testing with ammonia by end of 2027
- Commercial availability of 16MW turbines following successful testing
- Hanwha’s successful proof-of-concept combustor test using 100% ammonia
- Baker Hughes’ completed initial turbine feasibility studies in 2024
Ammonia as Alternative Maritime Fuel
Ammonia presents several advantages as a maritime fuel:
- Higher energy density compared to hydrogen
- Easier liquid transport capabilities
- Existing infrastructure compatibility
- Potential for significant emissions reduction
Alessandro Bresciani, Senior Vice-President of Climate Technology Solutions at Baker Hughes, emphasizes that “fuel switching to ammonia will play a key role in achieving significant emissions reductions across these sectors.”
Environmental and Health Concerns
Recent research highlights important considerations for ammonia fuel adoption:
A 2024 MIT study revealed potential health risks:
- Estimated 600,000 premature deaths annually if global shipping switched to pure ammonia
- Health risks from nitrogen oxide and NOx emissions
- Potential for heart attacks, strokes, and asthma from particle inhalation
Proposed Solutions
MIT researchers suggest co-combusting ammonia with pure hydrogen could significantly reduce harmful emissions, addressing the primary environmental and health concerns associated with pure ammonia combustion.
Impact on Maritime Industry
This development represents a crucial step in maritime decarbonization, though significant challenges remain. The industry must address NOx emissions management and unburned fuel emissions control while balancing environmental benefits against health impacts. Further technological refinements are necessary to optimize these systems. These innovations in ammonia-powered turbines could reshape maritime propulsion and power generation, provided manufacturers can effectively address the associated environmental and health challenges.