Bruno Generators and Liebherr for green ammonia

Bruno Generators and Liebherr signed a cooperation agreement that brings the ammonia formula onto the transition agenda. An element until now well known in the shipping environment, talking about large workboats (you can find some thoughts about the Green Shipping Challenge at COP28 HERE).

At MinExpo we saw Liebherr and Bruno arm in arm

Ammonia, like methanol, is a hydrogen carrier and is a fuel immediately suitable for internal combustion engines. So, at MINExpo2024, in Las Vegas (USA) on 24th September, Liebherr’s Mining and Components segments officially announced a partnership with Bruno Generators Group (BGG), to work alongside to determine how each party’s expertise can be used to investigate low emission power generation with green ammonia as fuel. BGG is a premium Italian company that specializes in the design, development and production of power generators, battery energy storage systems and mobile energy solutions. 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.

About green ammonia

Green ammonia is a hydrogen carrier that combines the advantages of lower transport and storage costs compared with compressed or liquified green hydrogen with its future usage as an energy vector in many areas of the world. Generators and off-board power units running on green ammonia could provide low or zero emission ways of supplementing power supplies on site. Green ammonia generators could provide a reduced emission method of alleviating energy variations or blackouts on site while mobile off-board power units powered by green ammonia could power electric excavators from just outside of the pit, reducing both emissions and infrastructure requirements.

Quoting Liebherr and BGG

“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. “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 capitalise on this to provide even more ways our customers can pursue zero emissions.”

“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,” says Renato Bruno, chief executive officer, Bruno Generators Group.

“This partnership represents an incredible milestone in our pursuit of sustainable solutions for the benefit of our customers in the mining segment. Sharing and blending our respective expertise will further enhance and naturally boost our innovation mindset, accelerating our journey toward a net zero future.”

“We are excited to lay the foundation for this important step towards a low and zero emission solution for our mining customers,” says Steffen Apel, key account manager for combustion engines in the mining industry, Liebherr-Components AG.