Press release -
NGK and Chubu Electric Power Conclude an Agreement to Jointly Conduct Research Aimed at Practical Application of Kilns that Burn Ammonia
NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (hereinafter, “NGK”) and Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. (hereinafter, “Chubu Electric Power”) concluded an agreement to jointly conduct research aimed at practical application of kilns that burn ammonia. Through this joint research, the two companies aim to establish an ammonia-based firing process that does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby helping to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Ceramic kilns that use ammonia combustion have yet to be put into practical use. In this joint research, the two companies will explore the challenges and solutions associated with adopting ammonia as fuel in ceramic kilns. NGK will focus on developing high-temperature (at 1,400°C or higher) kiln, such as using regenerative burners* capable of efficiently combusting ammonia, a fuel with limited flammability, including a high ignition temperature. Chubu Electric Power will study methods for supplying ammonia to the kiln and for treating exhaust gases from the kiln.
In FY2025, the two companies have been preparing testing facilities and other equipment, with full-scale combustion testing scheduled to begin in FY2026. The joint research is scheduled to continue through the end of FY2028.
As efforts are made to reduce CO₂ emissions in the industrial sector toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, a shift to non-fossil fuels that do not emit CO2 when burned, such as hydrogen and ammonia, has become an urgent priority. Among these fuels, ammonia is particularly promising as a decarbonized energy source because technologies for its transportation and storage are already well established, making it more feasible for early implementation in society than hydrogen. On the other hand, ammonia has technical challenges, including its slow combustion speed, ignition difficulty, and generation of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) during combustion. Therefore, further technological innovation is required for its broader use as a fuel.
Looking ahead, NGK and Chubu Electric Power will leverage their respective expertise to promote the early social implementation of ammonia and contribute to realizing a decarbonized society.
*Regenerative burner:
A burner that performs both combustion and exhaust through an internal ceramic heat storing. By alternating at intervals between combustion and exhaust, the exhaust heat from the combustion gas is recovered through the heat storing and is reused to preheat the combustion air, resulting in high thermal efficiency.
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About NGK Insulators
NGK INSULATORS (NGK) is a leading company in the field of ceramics.
Since its foundation in 1919, NGK has used its unique ceramic technology to provide numerous ground-breaking products that solve social issues. Today, NGK is active in more than 20 countries worldwide, with business foci including mobility, energy, IoT and industry. As one of the largest manufacturers of ceramic substrates for automotive catalytic converters, NGK has built on this to also develop new products and businesses with ceramics that actively reducing the strain on our global environment.
Furthermore, NGK’s products include the compact, thin, and high-energy-density lithium-ion rechargeable battery “EnerCera” line, vital tools for sustainable energy infrastructure.
NGK focuses on the two business fields “carbon neutrality” and” digital society” and is aiming to realize 80% of total company sales in these two fields whilst also achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Through providing innovative, high-quality products, NGK is committed to contributing to our society. In order to create a future where people can coexist with nature, NGK will continue to develop and provide products that support social infrastructure while preserving the environment.
