AFC Energy, a provider of ammonia-based low-carbon hydrogen production and hydrogen-to-power solutions, has entered into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Komatsu Ltd and Industrial Power Alliance Ltd, an affiliate of Komatsu. The collaboration aims to design and integrate AFC Energy’s proprietary ammonia cracking technology with a Komatsu industrial internal combustion diesel engine.
Through the JDA, AFC Energy and Komatsu will jointly assess the feasibility of developing an ammonia-fuelled engine platform suitable for scaled production. This initiative could offer Komatsu customers a sustainable alternative for their construction and mining equipment fleets. AFC Energy notes that successfully demonstrating a diesel engine operating on liquid ammonia with minimal modifications would introduce its technology into a new market vertical with significant potential.
The contract value of the JDA is approximately $2 million, contingent upon achieving specific milestones, according to AFC Energy. The agreement also aligns with AFC Energy’s strategic focus on delivering commercially viable hydrogen-to-power solutions without reliance on government subsidies.
John Wilson, CEO of AFC Energy, remarked: “We are pleased to sign this JDA with Komatsu, whose commitment to our proprietary ammonia cracker technology provides further industry validation as we advance the commercialisation and development of AFC Energy’s portfolio. This agreement supports our strategy to deliver hydrogen-to-power solutions without government support by expanding our technology into additional sectors with substantial market opportunities. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Komatsu and leveraging our technology to assist heavy industry in decarbonising operations.”
Taisuke Kusaba, Chief Technology Officer of Komatsu Ltd, stated: “We are very pleased to partner with AFC Energy and its advanced ammonia cracking technology as we continue to explore methods to decarbonise our equipment fleets. Our objective is to promote a sustainable society while supporting business growth. We see AFC Energy’s ammonia cracking technology as potentially playing a vital role in achieving our sustainability goals”.
