Thanks to the foundational research and support provided by MariNH3, particularly in the development of liquid ammonia injector technologies, Cardiff University has successfully secured a HORIZON Europe project entitled CAIPIRINH3A (101191768) which is focused on the use of novel injector systems for the generation of mist ammonia to support clean power production through plasma- enhanced combustion.

Similarly, research outcomes from MariNH3 have contributed to the design, conception and testing of integrated ammonia cracking systems which are being implemented in the AMBURN (Phase II) project (IFS2–06-FLO). This initiative aims to demonstrate the delivery of net-zero power using ammonia/hydrogen/nitrogen fuel blends in 1 MW steam boiler systems, advancing the practical deployment of low-carbon combustion technologies.

Challenges and solutions

Current assessments of novel injectors developed by Clean Air Power have so far been limited by a lack of comprehensive characterisation when operating with liquid ammonia. Building on experimental work under the MariNH3 programme, Cardiff University has demonstrated the potential of employing liquid injection systems with ammonia fuelling under stable and reliable operating conditions, marking a key step towards commercial development.

Building on this foundation, the CAIPIRNH3A project is exploring enhanced plasma-assisted combustion techniques to further stabilise operation and significantly reduce emissions, including nitric oxide (NOx) and unburned ammonia (NH3 slip).

In parallel, collaborative research within the MariNH3 consortium has driven innovation in cracked ammonia fuel blends – specifically ammonia/hydrogen/nitrogen mixtures – for efficient energy generation. This work has inspired the design and implementation of bespoke in-situ ammonia crackers for 1 MW steam boiler applications. The resulting systems, now operational and demonstrated under AMBURN (Phase II Fuel Switching Competition, DESNZ), are currently under patent evaluation.

These developments have also catalysed further international collaborations through HORIZON Europe, UKRI and partnerships with Japan, India, South Korea and China, reinforcing MariNH3’s role as an enabler of net-zero ammonia-based energy technologies.

0.5MW furnace operating with integrated cracking burner technologies at Cardiff, delivering the first low emissions ammonia-based combustion with zero carbon.
(Orange tones are a result of hot components)

Impact

This work has generated high-quality experimental data, now available through Open Access platforms, to support validation of numerical models, evaluation of novel injection technologies and the safe handling and delivery of liquid ammonia safely for both stationary and mobile applications.

In parallel, the research has facilitated the development of novel ammonia cracking systems designed to enable the efficient delivery of hydrogen/nitrogen fuel blends in larger-scale energy units. These advancements have laid the groundwork for securing further funding towards a large-scale demonstration unit capable of using advanced injection, liquid ammonia use and in-situ ammonia cracking – a combination of bespoke technologies.

Collectively, these achievements position the UK as a leader in ammonia and hydrogen combustion research among Western countries.