MAN Energy to lead ammonia gen-set project

Danish State initiative, the EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Programme), has announced the ‘NH3 Spark – FutureFlex’ project. It aims to develop a dual-fuel, four-stroke generator set capable of operating purely on ammonia without the need for a pilot fuel, a first for a commercial, industrial engine, the announcement stated.

The initial phase of the NH3 Spark – FutureFlex project will involve ammonia testing on a single-cylinder MAN gen-set at the Technical University of Denmark. (Photo: MAN Energy Solutions)

The project brings together a consortium led by MAN Energy Solutions’ Holeby site along with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Skovgaard Energy, the Danish renewable energy player. Comprising four phases, the first – ammonia testing on a single-cylinder MAN gen-set – will take place at DTU Construct’s engine laboratory and is scheduled to commence during Q3 2025. This will be followed by full-scale testing under powerplant conditions at Skovgaard Energy’s green ammonia production facility.

For the purposes of the project, MAN Energy Solutions will take what it said is an innovative approach to the dual-fuel concept by developing a small-bore engine where simplicity, price and retrofit suitability are paramount. The concept’s suitability for use with other, low-emission fuels will also be evaluated during the project, hence the ‘FutureFlex’ modifier.

“This project has the potential to create a new niche for the well-proven oil-fueled engine where units can be quickly retrofitted or installed onboard new ships or in power plants,” said Warley Thomsen, Senior R&D Specialist, MAN Energy Solutions. “It aims to provide an attractive retrofit solution for existing engines with fuel flexibility as a priority. The concept will be capable of operating purely on ammonia but also on conventional biofuel oils to accommodate shipowners and the environment, regardless of which future fuels ultimately prevail.”

The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, DFDS, the international shipping and logistics company, and tanker owner Hafnia have all declared support for the project and will contribute input. A classification society will also join the project at a later stage.