Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp), IHI Corporation (IHI) and GE Vernova’s Gas Power business have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) where all parties will explore the potential retrofitting of Sembcorp’s Sakra power plant in Singapore with ammonia-firing capabilities.
The latest partnership is an extension of an MOU signed between Sembcorp and IHI in 2022. At the time, both parties were looking to explore decarbonisation pathways for the power and industrial sector, in particular ammonia direct combustion systems.
The partnership also builds on a separate cooperation between IHI and GE Vernova on developing a retrofittable, 100% ammonia-capable combustion system that is compatible with specific GE Vernova turbine models.
According to Sembcorp, the latest project will allow the company to generate low-carbon energy from its existing power plant assets in addition to supporting Singapore’s efforts to diversity its energy sources and decarbonise the power sector. This is also expected to bolster industry confidence for the development of an ammonia value chain in Singapore.
“Sembcorp Cogen @ Sakra was Singapore’s largest and most efficient cogeneration plant when it was commissioned in 2001. We are now taking the next step to support decarbonisation efforts through the potential retrofitting of the power plant with ammonia-firing capabilities. As a pioneer in adopting technologies to reduce carbon footprint, Sembcorp remains committed to decarbonising the power generation sector and driving energy transition,” says Koh Chiap Khiong, CEO, Singapore & Southeast Asia, Sembcorp Industries U96 .
“IHI is developing ammonia combustion technologies and infrastructure solutions that can be safely retrofitted to existing power generation facilities, thereby establishing true reductions in carbon emissions. The ability to retrofit such technologies also provides decarbonisation pathways that future-proof existing investments in power generation,” adds Jun Kobayashi, board director, managing executive officer, IHI Corporation.
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“GE Vernova, as a leader in combustion technologies, will bring its extensive experience and expertise in engineering and manufacturing gas turbine combustors and balance of plant systems. We remain committed to supporting the advancement of the region’s energy goals, working alongside partners such as Sembcorp and IHI Corporation. We hope that this collaboration will pave the way for power plant operators to adopt carbon-free combustion fuels such as ammonia in GE gas turbines, to significantly contribute towards lowering carbon emissions in the power sector in Asia and globally,” says Ramesh Singaram, president and CEO of GE Gas Power Asia.
As at 1.09pm, shares in Sembcorp are trading 1 cent lower or 0.22% down at $4.57.
