US energy technology company Baker Hughes, Hanwha Power Systems and Hanwha Ocean of South Korea have announced a Joint Development and Collaboration Agreement (JDCA) for a new small-size turbine for ammonia applications that will leverage Baker Hughes’ small-size gas turbine technology and Hanwha’s ammonia combustion system.
The ammonia turbine will be suitable for marine applications but also for onshore and offshore applications, and for electric generation and mechanical drive. Ammonia is regarded as a critical fuel in enabling the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors, including marine. Shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean will be the main beneficiary of the JDCA and will adopt the new solution as a propulsion system for future vessels, thus enabling maritime decarbonisation.
Hanwha has already tested a proof-of-concept for the combustor, with 100% ammonia as the fuel gas, and Baker Hughes completed its initial turbine feasibility studies in 2024. The two companies aim to complete the full engine test with ammonia by the end of 2027, after which the turbine (around 16MW power range) will be commercially available for orders.
Alessandro Bresciani, SVP Climate Technology Solutions, Baker Hughes, said: “Decarbonising hard-to-abate industries and transportation is one of the most pressing but high-potential opportunities of our time. We believe fuel switching to ammonia will play a key role in achieving significant emissions reductions across these sectors, and to realise this ambition, the industry needs more partnerships such as this. Together, we will continue to lead by example and take energy forward.”
James Shon, SEVP and head of Product Strategy and Technology, Hanwha Ocean, added: “We are very excited to be collaborating with Baker Hughes to deliver an innovative and efficient solution to enhance the adoption of ammonia as a fuel for the propulsion system for future vessels. This collaboration marks a significant turning point in accelerating the transition to low-carbon fuel propulsion in the global maritime industries.”
Nuno Kim, EVP and head of Hanwha Power Systems Ship Solution Division, said: “The transition to low carbon fuels is a mission for everyone in the marine sector. We aim to play a key role in the decarbonisation of the sector, together with Baker Hughes, by supporting ammonia combustion and packaging systems,”
Baker Hughes is currently exploring how its small-size gas turbines can accelerate the transition from diesel engines to turbines powered by ammonia and hydrogen. In January 2024, the company announced the completion of the successful testing of the world’s first 100% hydrogen turbine, which is now commercially available and with orders under execution.
Image: Baker Hughes hydrogen gas turbine (source: Baker Hughes)
