Baker Hughes, Hanwha Power Systems, and Hanwha Ocean have signed a Joint Development and Collaboration Agreement (JDCA) to develop a small-size ammonia turbine aimed at advancing decarbonization efforts. Announced at the Baker Hughes 2025 Annual Meeting in Florence, the partnership will combine Baker Hughes’ gas turbine technology with Hanwha’s ammonia combustion system to create a solution for reducing emissions in marine, onshore, offshore, and power generation applications. Hanwha Ocean, one of South Korea’s leading shipbuilders, will be the primary adopter of this technology, integrating the turbine as a propulsion system for future vessels, supporting the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.

Hanwha has successfully conducted a proof-of-concept test using 100% ammonia as a fuel, and Baker Hughes completed initial feasibility studies in 2024. The companies plan to complete full engine testing by 2027, after which the 16MW power range turbine will become commercially available. This collaboration aims to enable the large-scale adoption of ammonia as a fuel, supporting the decarbonization of industries that are traditionally difficult to transition to low-carbon energy sources.

Commenting on the partnership, Alessandro Bresciani, Senior Vice President of Climate Technology Solutions at Baker Hughes, stated: “Decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and transportation is one of the most urgent challenges, but also one with immense potential. Ammonia fuel switching will play a crucial role in significantly reducing emissions across these sectors, and strong partnerships like this one are key to making that vision a reality.”

James Shon, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Product Strategy and Technology at Hanwha Ocean, emphasized the project’s importance for maritime sustainability: “We are excited to collaborate with Baker Hughes on an innovative and efficient ammonia-fueled propulsion system. This partnership marks a pivotal step toward accelerating the maritime industry’s shift to low-carbon fuels.”

Nuno Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Hanwha Power Systems Ship Solution Division, reinforced the company’s commitment to advancing ammonia-based energy solutions, stating: “The transition to low-carbon fuels is a shared mission for the marine sector. We aim to play a key role in this shift by developing ammonia combustion and packaging systems in collaboration with Baker Hughes.”

Baker Hughes is actively working to develop ammonia and hydrogen-powered turbine solutions to replace conventional diesel engines. In January 2024, the company successfully completed testing of the world’s first 100% hydrogen turbine, which is now commercially available with orders underway. The partnership with Hanwha represents a major step in advancing sustainable energy, highlighting ammonia’s potential as a viable alternative fuel for industries seeking to achieve decarbonization.