MAN ES for Texas gas & ammonia genset projects
Two engines from MAN ES for two different projects: for ‘NH3 Spark - FutureFlex’ project and for Texas gas power-plant
Two different MAN ES projects from the hallmark however of providing energy. Both are ICE, one relies on the more conventional natural gas technology, the second on the more unusual ammonia.
Ammonia, solution for today?
Of the two different MAN ES projects, we start with the more original one, which involves ammonia. At MINExpo2024, in Las Vegas, Liebherr’s Mining and Components segments announced a partnership with Bruno Generators Group, to work alongside to determine how each party’s expertise can be used to investigate low emission power generation with green ammonia as fuel. And now, Danish State initiative, the EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Programme), has announced the ‘NH3 Spark – FutureFlex’ project. It aims to develop a dual-fuel, four-stroke GenSet capable of operating purely on ammonia without the need for a pilot fuel, a first for a commercial, industrial engine. The initial phase of the NH3 – FutureFlex project involves ammonia testing on a single-cylinder MAN GenSet at the Technical University of Denmark. The project brings together a consortium led by MAN Energy Solutions’ Holeby site along with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Skovgaard Energy, the Danish renewable-energy player. Comprising four phases, the first – ammonia testing on a single-cylinder MAN GenSet – will take place at DTU Construct’s engine laboratory and is scheduled to commence during Q3 2025. This will be followed by full-scale testing under powerplant conditions at Skovgaard Energy’s green-ammonia production facility.
Warley Thomsen – Senior R&D Specialist, MAN Energy Solutions – said: “This project has the potential to create a new niche for the well-proven oil-fuelled engine where units can be quickly retrofitted or installed onboard new ships or in power plants. It aims to provide an attractive retrofit solution for existing engines with fuel-flexibility as a priority. The concept will be capable of operating purely on ammonia but also on conventional biofuel oils to accommodate shipowners and the environment, regardless of which future-fuels ultimately prevail.”
Projects feature the MAN ES 51/60G for Texas Gas Power-Plant
The Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) has selected MAN Energy Solutions to supply six 18V51/60G gas engines, providing a total capacity of 124 MW. The gas engines are used in a peak-load power plant in Texas, which increases grid stability. It provides fast and flexible power during periods of high demand or when other sources are unavailable. KPUB is a municipal utility that supplies electricity to over 24,000 customers in Kerrville and the surrounding area.
Alexander Stöckler – Head of Sales, Tendering & Project Management, Power Segment – at MAN Energy Solutions, said: “This is now our second power-plant order for 18V51/60G engines in the USA, boosting our reputation as a competent partner for American gas power-plant projects.”
