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The Technology Developed By Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) Focuses On Maritime Transport And Agriculture, Sectors Where Brazil Could Become A Global Leader, But Faces Technical And Infrastructure Challenges.
The Japanese giant Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) announced a breakthrough that could change the future of fuels: the development of a large engine partially powered by ammonia. The main advantage is that ammonia (NH3), because it contains no carbon, does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) during combustion. This innovation aims at decarbonizing key sectors and positions Brazil as a potential leader in the production of “green ammonia,” thanks to its vast renewable resources. However, the new engine still faces challenges, especially regarding the control of other pollutants and the need for significant investments.
How The New Ammonia Engine From J-ENG Works?
Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) specializes in large marine diesel engines. The company’s recent innovation is the operation of the first two-stroke commercial engine that utilizes a “co-combustion” system. This means the engine operates with a mix of ammonia and a pilot fuel, likely diesel, which helps initiate and stabilize combustion.
This approach is pragmatic. It allows the use of existing engine designs with some modifications, circumventing the ignition difficulties of ammonia. The first engine will be installed on a Medium Gas Carrier Powered By Ammonia (AFMGC). The choice is strategic, as such vessels already have experience and safety protocols for handling substances like ammonia.
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The Challenge Of Emissions: Beyond CO2, The Control Of NOx
The great attraction of ammonia is the absence of direct CO2 emissions. However, burning the fuel presents another environmental challenge: the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx). These gases are atmospheric pollutants and also contribute to the greenhouse effect.
To address this issue, J-ENG’s engine already includes a post-treatment technology called High Pressure SCR (HPSCR). This system uses a catalyst to convert nitrogen oxides into nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O), which are harmless. In addition to NOx, it is necessary to control the “ammonia slip” (unburned ammonia) and the possible formation of nitrous oxide (N2O), a greenhouse gas even more potent than CO2.
Brazil: The Breeding Ground For Green Ammonia For The New Engine?
The full environmental benefit of the ammonia engine is only achieved if the fuel is “green.” Green ammonia is produced with hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. This is where Brazil stands out. With over 80% of its energy matrix coming from clean sources, the country has a unique competitive advantage in producing green ammonia at low cost.
Brazil has a “dual advantage”: a huge potential for renewable energy and a massive agricultural sector, which is a major consumer of ammonia-based fertilizers. The production of green fertilizers could be the initial demand to justify investments. Thus, Brazil could not only supply its domestic market but also become a major exporter of green ammonia and a strategic hub for fueling ships in the South Atlantic.
Challenges For Adoption: Infrastructure, Safety, And Costs
Despite the potential, and the environmental benefit of the engine, the transition is not simple. One of the biggest obstacles is cost. Although the prices of green ammonia are falling, it is still more expensive than conventional fossil fuels. Moreover, the current ammonia infrastructure is geared towards fertilizers, not for use as fuel. Massive investments will be needed in new storage, distribution, and bunkering facilities.
Safety is another central concern. Ammonia is a toxic and corrosive compound. Its handling requires extremely strict safety protocols, specialized training for workers, and advanced leak detection technologies, which adds costs and complexity to operations.
Ammonia Vs. Ethanol: Will The Ammonia Engine Replace Current Fuels In Cars?
It is important to contextualize the application of this technology. The current developments in ammonia engines, such as those from J-ENG, focus on large-scale applications, like maritime transport. The use in passenger vehicles faces considerable challenges, such as developing smaller engines and onboard fuel storage, as ammonia requires larger tanks than gasoline for the same range.
In Brazil, the comparison with ethanol is unavoidable. The country has an extremely mature ethanol ecosystem, with large-scale production, consolidated distribution infrastructure, and a dominant flex-fuel vehicle fleet. Therefore, it is very unlikely that ammonia will replace gasoline and ethanol in passenger cars in the short or medium term. The revolutionary potential of ammonia lies in decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors, such as shipping and possibly agriculture.
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