Ammonia Co-firing with Coal: A Review of the Status and Prospects

The reduction of the emissions of CO2, especially from coal-fired power plants, is an important topic due to the caused greenhouse effect. Ammonia/coal co-firing is considered as a practical means to reduce CO2 emissions without necessitating a significant overhaul of the existing power infrastructure, presenting a potential avenue for energy transition. Despite the promise, there exists limited research on ammonia co-firing. On the basis of ammonia applications worldwide and its fuel properties, this study begins by introducing the combustion characteristics of ammonia, addressing the challenges, and outlining the future development trends of ammonia combustion. Subsequently, an in-depth exploration of ammonia/coal co-firing is conducted, evaluating both its technical and economic feasibility. The discussion encompasses a thorough review of combustion dynamics, pollutant emissions, and the resultant impact on boilers to offer a holistic perspective on the ammonia/coal co-firing paradigm. Through a comprehensive overview, this paper strives to provide theoretical reference for the large-scale application of ammonia/coal co-firing technology in the evolving energy landscape.