The Amburn project successfully burns 100% ammonia at 500kW in an innovative boiler system, achieving a world-first

On September 15th 2025, the Amburn project completed Stage 1 testing of its innovative ammonia fed combustion system at 300-500kW, at Cardiff University School of Engineering’s Combustion Lab (W/0.03). The Stage 1 testing concluded with the Amburn team achieving a world first – successfully burning 100% ammonia at 500kW using Cardiff University’s patented Integrated Cracking Burner (ICB) system.

Researchers at Cardiff University’s School of Engineering have been testing the Integrated Cracking Burner (ICB) system with ammonia at Cardiff University’s testing facilities over the last year, with invaluable technical support from industrial partner Flogas Britain. Initial tests were completed at 300kW thermal power with various ammonia/propane blends, before being scaled up to testing successfully at 500kW thermal power with 100% ammonia. Stage 1 testing has demonstrated the achievement of maximum decarbonisation, demonstrating the potential for the technology to be used in an efficient, stable, low polluting manner which could in future be used to help decarbonise off-grid businesses across the UK.

This significant milestone marks the conclusion of Stage 1 at Cardiff University. The project will now progress to Stage 2 testing over the coming months, scaling up to testing at 1MW capacity.

In 2023, Flogas Britain and Cardiff University were awarded £3.6m from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero through the Industrial Fuel Switching Competition to develop a world-first ammonia steam boiler in Phase 2 of the Amburn project. This innovative technology will prove that ammonia is a viable, cost-effective renewable fuel for large off-grid businesses, and represents a crucial step towards decarbonising off-grid businesses across the UK by replacing fossil fuelled burners. The Amburn project is developing and demonstrating an ammonia-fuelled steam boiler which, when fed with zero carbon ammonia, offers a solution for decarbonising industrial heat. With developments in the production of green ammonia, Amburn has the potential to not only reduce carbon emissions, but also to open up new avenues for sustainable energy adoption, paving the way for a greener industrial future.

Dr. Syed Mashruk, Zero Carbon Fuels theme leader at Cardiff University’s Net Zero Innovation Institute (NZII), said, “We are delighted to announce this significant milestone – the successful combustion of pure ammonia using our novel Integrated Cracking Burner (ICB) system. This achievement, made possible through outstanding teamwork, scientific excellence, and the commitment of our amazing personnel, demonstrates the highest standards of health and safety in action. We are especially grateful for the significant contribution of our industrial partner, Flogas Britain Ltd, whose support has been invaluable. The ICB system not only burns ammonia cleanly but also produces hydrogen to support ammonia combustion by cracking ammonia with waste heat from combustion, eliminating the challenges of hydrogen transport and storage. This innovation represents a major step forward in achieving maximum decarbonisation and creating real scientific and industrial value.”

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero provides dedicated leadership focused on delivering security of energy supply, ensuring properly functioning markets, greater energy efficiency and seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries.

The Amburn project is part of the Department’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio which provides funding for low-carbon technologies and systems and aims to decrease the costs of decarbonisation helping enable the UK to end its contribution to climate change.

See downloadable press release here.