Green Ammonia Co-Firing in Indian Power Plants: A Sustainable Decarbonisation Solution
Key Ideas
- Green ammonia co-firing in coal-based thermal power plants offers a promising decarbonisation pathway, leveraging existing infrastructure and reducing CO2 emissions.
- Technical feasibility studies show that co-firing up to 80% green ammonia with coal is viable with minimal modifications to boiler efficiency, addressing challenges with NOX emissions.
- Challenges such as ammonia slip, toxicity, storage, transportation, and production costs exist but ongoing advancements in technology and cost reduction strategies enhance the viability of green ammonia.
- Proposed pilot project 'Team Green Fusion' aims to validate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits of green ammonia co-firing, emphasizing scalability for sustainable energy solutions.
With India committed to reducing carbon intensity and achieving net zero emissions, green ammonia emerges as a viable decarbonisation solution in the power sector. This article discusses the technical feasibility and benefits of green ammonia co-firing in thermal power plants (TPPs). Studies show that co-firing green ammonia reduces CO2 emissions significantly without compromising boiler efficiency. Challenges related to NOX emissions, storage, and production costs are being addressed through advancements in technology and cost reduction strategies. A proposed pilot project, 'Team Green Fusion,' plans to implement green ammonia co-firing using renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The project, spanning 125 acres, aims to validate the feasibility and environmental benefits of green ammonia co-firing. Phased implementation includes activities like tendering, engineering, and infrastructural enhancements to scale up green ammonia production. Despite challenges, the article emphasizes the potential of green ammonia as a scalable solution for sustainable energy, driving decarbonisation in the energy sector.