Ammonia co-firing planned at 1434 MW coal plant

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is studying introducing ammonia co-firing at the BLCP Power Station in Thailand. The plant includes two subcritical coal-fired boilers with a total output of 1434 MW. (Image: BLC Power)

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is studying introducing ammonia co-firing at a coal-fired thermal power plant in Thailand.

The project aims to decarbonize the existing power plant, supporting Thailand in achieving its climate ambitions, MHI said.

Under the feasibility study plan, MHI, with support from its power solutions brand Mitsubishi Power, will determine and conduct a study on supply of ammonia burners, boiler facilities and equipment necessary for ammonia co-firing. JERA will examine the procurement and transportation of ammonia fuel, whereas JERA and Mitsubishi Corporation will investigate the port facilities, along with ammonia receiving and storage facilities. This will go toward establishing an integrated fuel value chain from procurement to utilization. BLCP, MHI, Mitsubishi Corporation and JERA Co., Inc. will also jointly conduct studies and develop plans to achieve up to 20% ammonia co-firing, supporting reductions in CO2 emissions and decarbonization.

Located in Rayong province in southeastern Thailand, the BLCP Power Station comprises two subcritical coal-fired boilers with a total output of 1434 MW that began operations in 2006 and 2007. MHI supplied the boilers, steam turbines, and other main facilities of the power station.

The plant is operated by BLCP Power Limited (BLCP), which is an independent power producer in Thailand and a joint-venture between Banpu Power Public Co. and Electricity Generating Public Co. Ltd.

Several Thai and Japanese organizations in addition to MHI and BLCP are also involved in the project, including BPP and EGCO Group from Thailand, as well as JERA Co., Inc. and Mitsubishi Corp. from Japan.

Thailand has announced its commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. The country plans to strengthen cooperation with Japan regarding decarbonization technologies for fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen.

MHI and Mitsubishi Power have supplied over more than 25 GW of power generation equipment to Thailand, including facilities currently under construction, accounting for well more than half of the country’s generating capacity. Through its industry-leading power generation equipment and services, Mitsubishi Power has played a vital role in Thailand’s transition from coal to natural gas fuel, supporting the gradual shift toward reducing CO2 emissions.