Liebherr and Bruno Generators Group research green ammonia’s power potential for mining

Green ammonia is a hydrogen carrier that has the advantage of lower transport and storage costs than liquified green hydrogen. Potential applications for green ammonia in the mining industry include generators and off-board power units. Liebherr Mining has entered an agreement with Bruno Generators Group (BGG) to determine how each party's expertise can be used to investigate low-emission power generation with green ammonia as fuel. BGG is an Italian company that specializes in the design, development, and production of new types of power generators, battery energy storage systems, and mobile energy solutions.

"We're thrilled to be working with BGG in this incredibly exciting project. Their innovative mindset and tracked development and delivery of low-emission solutions are a perfect match for us as we work towards our zero-emissions targets,'"says Oliver Weiss, executive vice president, R&D, engineering and production, Liebherr-Mining Equipment SAS.

Liebherr has already investigated ammonia as a power source for dual-fuel internal combustion engines. The results of these investigations are promising and encourage the continued development of this solution. 

The potential of green ammonia

Green ammonia generators could be a low-emission solution for alleviating energy variations or blackouts on mining site. Mobile off-board power units, running on green ammonia, could also power electric excavators just outside of the pit, reducing both emissions and infrastructure requirements.

"When our combustion engines business unit saw promising results from ammonia as a low- and zero-emission power source after multiple test bench runs, we were excited to see how we could capitalize on this to provide even more ways our customers can pursue zero emissions," explains Weiss.

Renato Bruno, chief executive officer of the Bruno Generators Group, says, "We are very proud of partnering and joining forces with Liebherr Mining in this project. Together, we share a common vision with an uncompromised commitment to sustainability, and we strive to lead the industry in responsible practices."