Project updates| Turbine technology
Ammonia as fuel: from initial studies to practical implementation
IHI Corporation and GE Vernova have completed a new large-scale combustion test facility at IHI’s Aioi Works in Hyogo, Japan. IHI and GE Vernova say they expect it to “play a crucial role in advancing the capabilities of next-generation combustion technologies using ammonia.” The new test facility is engineered to test advanced combustion systems at GE Vernova F-class gas turbine operating conditions, including pressure, temperature, and both air and fuel flow rates. Completion of the new facility is seen as a significant step forward in the direction of a shared technology roadmap drawn up under a 2024 joint development agreement “aiming to lead to a 100% ammonia capable combustion system by 2030,” said Kensuke Yamamoto, IHI
Executive Officer, VP of Business Development Division and GM of Ammonia Value Chain Project Department. “IHI has developed a 100% ammonia firing gas turbine, IM270 (output 2MW)”, he noted, and aims to scale up the technology. “IHI’s combustor development role lies in this new flagship test facility, which will be a crucial hub for IHI’s and GE Vernova’s project.” Starting in the summer of 2025, IHI says it plans to conduct “rigorous combustion tests” using full scale prototype combustors operating on 100% ammonia, aiming to develop a commercially viable gas turbine in about five years.
The collaboration between the two companies is described as including “synergies across IHI
ammonia combustion expertise and GE Vernova global technical teams, and shared best practices developed at GE Vernova’s advanced combustion test facility in Greenville, South Carolina, USA.” The IHI/GE Vernova test rig announcement “signals a shift from initial studies on the ammonia value chain to the practical implementation of technologies and engineering projects, aiming to decarbonise power generation by using ammonia as a fuel,” said Jeffrey Goldmeer, GE Vernova Senior Director, Technology Strategy. “This marks a new phase of collaboration between GE Vernova and IHI, with the goal of developing decarbonisation pathways that safeguard existing power generation investments.”
Ammonia combustion will be a key focus for this large-scale IHI/GE Vernova test facility located at IHI’s Aioi Works, Hyogo, Japan. Image credit: IHIPress Release
Twenty nine LM2500XPRESS aeroderivatives for Crusoe datacentres
AI infrastructure provider Crusoe now has a total of 29 units of GE Vernova’s LM2500XPRESS aeroderivative gas turbine packages on order for its AI data centres.
A recently announced order of 19 units, booked in June 2025, builds on the first series of 10 units Crusoe ordered in December 2024. “AI’s exponential growth demands rapidly deployable power solutions. Crusoe’s capabilities as an energy-first digital infrastructure builder have positioned us well to take the issue of power into our own hands by rapidly building and
operating power plants alongside AI datacentres,” said Cully Cavness, co-founder, president and COO of Crusoe.
The gas turbines will be equipped with selective catalytic reduction, resulting in “90% lower NOx
emissions than traditional gas- or
diesel-powered reciprocating engines with little to no methane slip.”
The 35 MW LM2500XPRESS units are described as engineered for swift and straightforward site installation, with 95% factory assembled.
LM2500XPRESS aeroderivatives have higher power density, reliability and availability when compared to other technologies in prime or standby applications, suggests GE Vernova, and the potential to offer savings on real estate, switchgear, transformers, and overall site footprint. Each LM2500XPRESS dual fuel power package is comprised of an LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine, gas compressor, and emissions control system, and is capable of starting independently of the power grid, with five-minute fast start capability, notes GE Vernova.
www.modernpowersystems.com | July/August 2025 | 45
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