IHI looking to convert LNG terminals into ammonia facilities

Tokyo-based IHI on January 25 said it is looking to convert LNG receiving and storage terminals near gas-fired power plants in Japan into ammonia-based facilities.

“Interest is increasing in ammonia as a carbon-neutral alternative to coal- and gas-fired power plants because its combustion emissions are free of carbon dioxide. IHI is thus developing technology to use ammonia to fuel boilers and gas turbines,” IHI said.

The company said converting LNG facilities should drive ammonia uptake by slashing costs and ensuring effective land usage. 

IHI is one of Japan's leading LNG receiving and storage terminal manufacturers. It has engineered and constructed just under a third of the nation's LNG receiving and storage terminals and around half of its LNG storage tanks.

Earlier this month, IHI and GE Gas Power Company signed a memorandum of understanding to develop ammonia combustion technology for use in heavy-duty gas turbines. The company is also planning to commercialise an ammonia floating storage and regasification barge.