Patented ammonia boiler system achieves world-first

The £3.4million Amburn project seeks to explore the potential of green ammonia as a fuel for off-grid industrial sites, which currently use 4.5million tonnes of oil every year, equating to 14 metric tonnes of carbon emissions. The project is funded by Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and is delivered in partnership with Flogas.

Initial tests were completed at 300kW thermal power with various ammonia/propane blends, before being scaled up. Stage 1 testing has demonstrated the potential for the technology to be used in an efficient, stable, low polluting manner.

Dr. Syed Mashruk, Zero Carbon Fuels theme leader at Cardiff University's Net Zero Innovation Institute (NZII), said, “We are delighted to announce this significant milestone – the successful combustion of pure ammonia using our novel Integrated Cracking Burner (ICB) system. This achievement, made possible through outstanding teamwork, scientific excellence, and the commitment of our amazing personnel, demonstrates the highest standards of health and safety in action. We are especially grateful for the significant contribution of our industrial partner, Flogas Britain, whose support has been invaluable. The ICB system not only burns ammonia cleanly but also produces hydrogen to support ammonia combustion by cracking ammonia with waste heat from combustion, eliminating the challenges of hydrogen transport and storage. This innovation represents a major step forward in achieving maximum decarbonisation and creating real scientific and industrial value.”

The project will now progress to Stage 2 testing over the coming months, scaling up to testing at 1MW capacity.