Japan’s MUCC testing ammonia as next-generation fuel

Japan’s Mitsubishi UBE Cement Corporation (MUCC) is testing ammonia as next generation fuel, due to its property of emitting no CO₂ when combusted. 

Commercial-scale tests at the calciner and the kiln are conducted at the Ube City cement plant (photo) in the Yamaguchi Prefecture to increase the co-combustion ratio from 5 to 30 %. The ammonia is supplied by an UBE facility close-by. If the targeted 30 % can be achieved, the annual CO₂ emissions derived from thermal energy at this Ube Cement Plant can be reduced by 100,000 t from the current level of 350,000 t. When the tests are successful, an industrial-scale co-combustion unit will be established after 2025.