A study on the co-firing of ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol with natural gas in a 100 MW NGCC process for carbon neutrality

Abstract

This study proposes a co-firing strategy involving ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol with natural gas in a 100 MW natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Simulations were performed to assess fuel consumption, CO₂ and NOₓ emissions, and economic feasibility across different co-firing ratios. Co-firing hydrogen showed the most significant CO₂ reduction but resulted in increased NOₓ emissions. Ammonia and methanol co-firing moderately reduced CO₂ emissions and led to lower flue gas temperatures and NOₓ formation. Although co-firing is currently more expensive than using natural gas alone, techno-economic assessments under net-zero scenarios for 2030 and 2050 suggest improved cost competitiveness. With carbon taxes and fuel price changes, hydrogen becomes more economically viable by 2050, and methanol approaches the cost of natural gas. The results provide benchmarks for clean fuel integration in fossil-based power generation and highlight trade-offs between emissions and economic performance. This study contributes to the development of sustainable combustion strategies and supports policy and technology planning for decarbonized power systems.