Alternative Fuel Combustion

Accelerating the Transition to Alternative Fuels

Hydrogen and ammonia are rapidly emerging as key energy carriers for achieving carbon neutrality across power generation, transportation, and industrial applications. As hydrogen and ammonia technologies advance from research and demonstration to commercial deployment, new challenges arise in combustion optimization, emissions reduction, environmental compliance, and operational safety. Reliable measurement is a critical foundation for success. HORIBA supports customers throughout the alternative-fuel journey by providing the technologies and expertise needed to generate accurate, actionable insights at every stage.

HORIBA's Solution & Contribution

With the acceleration of efforts to utilize hydrogen and ammonia to realize a carbon-neutral society, basic research through demonstration experiments on combustion are becoming more active. HORIBA offers the following lineup of gas measurement systems necessary for a wide range of alternative fuel utilization, from alternative fuel production, combustion, and exhaust gas treatment processes, to environmental regulations and GHG reduction.

For R&D / demonstration system for power generation by ammonia co-firing / 100% firing

R&D of burners for higher rate of ammonia co-firing / 100% ammonia firing in coal-fired power generation facilities is underway, aiming to improve combustion methods and gas treatment facilities’ operation methods in order to realize the social implementation of ammonia co-firing/ full-firing systems. Currently, practical tests are ongoing with a 20% ammonia co-firing pulverized coal boiler. Furthermore, endeavors are in progress to elevate the co-firing rate, with the aim of achieving 100% ammonia firing by the 2030s.

For R&D / demonstration system for power generation by ammonia co-firing / 100% firing

For R&D / demonstration system of gas-turbine power generation by liquid ammonia with direct spray method

100% liquid ammonia firing technology to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from conventional gas turbine power generation systems is under development. Given that liquid ammonia has lower flammability than gases, it is necessary to stabilize the flame and reduce harmful substances in the exhaust gas. In addition to conventional air pollutants such as NOx, there is a particular need to measure unburned NH₃ and N₂O.

HORIBA's Gas Measurement Solution for Gas Turbine Power Generation with Liquid Ammonia Direct Atomization

For R&D / demonstration system of gas-turbine power generation by liquid ammonia with direct spray method

For R&D / Process for Heat Treatment Furnaces / Industrial Furnaces

In industrial furnaces and heat-treatment furnaces, efforts toward carbon neutrality through the use of hydrogen and ammonia co-firing are accelerating. To achieve both energy savings and environmental performance, highly accurate measurement and evaluation are required to optimize combustion conditions and manage exhaust gases.

For R&D / Process for Heat Treatment Furnaces / Industrial Furnaces

Conclusion

Connecting Measurement Across the Alternative Fuel Lifecycle

Successfully implementing alternative-fuel technologies requires more than solving individual measurement challenges. It requires a unified approach that connects development, validation, operation, and environmental management. By combining a broad portfolio of measurement technologies with deep application expertise, HORIBA helps customers create a continuous flow of reliable data across the entire lifecycle of hydrogen and ammonia utilization. This integrated approach enables faster innovation, improved operational performance, and greater confidence in achieving environmental goals. As a trusted measurement partner, HORIBA remains committed to supporting the transition to a carbon-neutral society. For more detailed information about our analytical solutions for alternative fuel combustion, please download the “Application Overview: Alternative Fuel Combustion” below.