Assessing the emission reduction potential of green ammonia co-firing retrofit for China's coal-fired power plants
REN Jinhui
ZHANG Qianzhi
CHEN Wenying
WANG Lining
ZHANG Chenglong
CHEN Jinyu
XIANG Kangli
Abstract：The transition of coal power generation is a primary focus for the China's power sector to achieve carbon neutrality goals.During the transition,equal emphasis should be placed on the reliability and flexibility of power sources.Co-firing retrofitting coal-fired power plants(CFPPs)with green ammonia can effectively balance decarbonization objectives without compromising operational flexibility.However,existing studies have yet to comprehensively assess the emission reduction potential of CFPPs with ammonia co-firing.Hence,this study evaluates the carbon emission reduction potential of retrofitting at the unit level,considering uncertainties in ammonia co-firing ratios and green ammonia supply cost.Various retrofit scenarios are designed and compared to assess the impact on emission reduction potential.The results indicate the supply cost of green ammonia is expected to decrease by around 60％in 2040 compared to the current situation.The carbon abatement costs of ammonia co-firing retrofitting for coal power vary significantly across different scenarios and regions,ranging from 516 to 1 838 yuan/tCO2.Specifically,the carbon abatement costs of CFPPs in East China are relatively lower,with annual carbon emission reductions ranging from 150 to 530 MtCO2 under different scenarios.Some plants can compete with co-firing biomass carbon capture,utilization,and storage(CCUS)retrofits.Considering the peak load issues and the technology demonstration effects in East China,pilot projects for coal-fired power plants with ammonia co-firing should be prioritized.
Keywords：coal-fired power plantsemission reduction potentialgreen ammonia supplycarbon neutralityammonia co-firing retrofiteconomic costs
Publication Date：2024-09-20
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 62-69 )