JERA to Study Large-Scale Ammonia Fuel Transportation with NYK and MOL

Japanese power company JERA Co. has entered into memorandums of understanding with shipping companies NYK and MOL on the large-volume transportation of ammonia fuel to be used for power generation.

The cooperation is related to the development of the Hekinan Thermal Power Plant, which is expected to start commercial operations later this decade.

The MOUs with NYK and MOL cover the development of large-scale ammonia fuel carriers, building an ammonia fuel transportation and receiving system, and installing and operating ammonia-powered ship engines. The companies will also work with relevant parties to foster regulations regarding ammonia fuel.

JERA said the development of large-volume ammonia carriers and the construction of an ammonia fuel supply chain would be world firsts.

“With ammonia emerging as a next-generation clean energy source that does not emit carbon dioxide during combustion, large-scale demand for ammonia is expected in the future, particularly for co-firing and as a hydrogen carrier in coal-fired power plants,” MOL said in a statement.

Since February, JERA has been conducting an international competitive bidding process for ammonia fuel procurement, including an opportunity to participate in ammonia fuel production.

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