Ammonia-Fueled Rotary Engines: A Zero-Carbon Revolution
London, Monday, 3 November 2025.
Ammonia-fueled rotary engines promise a zero-carbon future with high energy density, leveraging existing infrastructure to decarbonise industries. This innovation marks a pivotal shift in hydrogen energy.
Ammonia: The Game-Changer in Hydrogen Energy
Imagine a world where your car runs on ammonia! Sounds like a sci-fi movie, right? But it’s real. Ammonia-fueled Wankel rotary engines are proving that they can not only operate with zero carbon emissions but also pack a punch with high power output. Recent studies highlight how ammonia can leverage existing production infrastructure to decarbonise industries efficiently. What’s more, ammonia’s energy-to-weight ratio outshines traditional fuels like petrol and diesel, making it a frontrunner in sustainable energy solutions [1][2].
The Science Behind Ammonia-Fueled Engines
Now, let’s get a little nerdy. The Wankel rotary engine, when fueled by ammonia, shows fascinating behavioural differences in hydrogen and oxygen reactions. By enriching oxygen by 40% or blending hydrogen at 50%, these engines achieve stable operations. Interestingly, oxygen enrichment enhances power density significantly, almost doubling it compared to hydrogen blending. On the flip side, hydrogen blending boosts combustion efficiency, marking a significant advancement in engine performance [1].
Environmental Impact and Emission Control
But what about the environment? I’m glad you asked. The ammonia-fueled engines have similar NOx and unburned ammonia emissions as their counterparts, ensuring no surprises in the emissions department. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology using NH3 is touted as the most effective solution for treating engine exhausts, efficiently reducing NOx emissions to negligible levels. This means we could be driving greener vehicles without the hefty environmental price tag [2][3].
Potential for Widespread Application
Why stop at engines? Ammonia’s potential doesn’t end there. With its high energy density and zero-carbon operation, ammonia can power various sectors, from transportation to industrial applications. The existing infrastructure for ammonia production is a bonus, allowing for a seamless transition to this greener alternative. As we move towards a sustainable future, ammonia-fueled technologies might just be the key to unlocking a carbon-neutral world [1][4].