
The physical appearance of the ammonia direct-injection engine (Image provided by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials)
SEOUL, Jan. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — A team of South Korean researchers has developed a groundbreaking 2-liter engine powered by ammonia, a renewable energy source that generates no greenhouse gas emissions.
The innovation is expected to serve as foundational technology for various applications, including vehicles, ships, aircraft, and industrial generators.
Led by Dr. Park Cheol-woong of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, in collaboration with Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Electrification Design Center, the team unveiled the world’s first engine to directly inject ammonia into the combustion chamber at high pressure, eliminating the need for a separate decomposition process.
The engine achieves high performance and minimal emissions by adopting a high-pressure liquid injection system, addressing previous issues with unstable output and harmful byproducts common in gas-fueled ammonia engines.

Dr. Park Cheol-woong, the lead researcher at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, who spearheaded the development of the ammonia direct-injection engine. (Image provided by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials)
This method enables the stable supply of large volumes of ammonia fuel, achieving world-class power output without additional combustion enhancers or additives.
The researchers also optimized ignition systems, fuel injection timing, and valve operation to enhance efficiency. By integrating an ammonia-specific after-treatment system, the engine minimizes nitrogen oxides and unburned ammonia emissions, resulting in significantly improved thermal efficiency and reduced harmful emissions.
Ammonia (NH₃) is gaining attention as a carbon-neutral fuel because it emits no carbon dioxide during combustion. As a hydrogen carrier, it offers higher efficiency than liquefied hydrogen, overcoming the challenges of large-scale storage and long-distance transport.
Its ease of storage and transport further positions it as a promising alternative to traditional fuels.
“This is a revolutionary improvement over existing ammonia engine technologies,” said Dr. Park, emphasizing the innovation’s potential impact. Lee Seung-woo, a lead researcher at Hyundai Motor and Kia, added, “Ammonia can solve key challenges in hydrogen transport and green hydrogen production, making it a new clean fuel option for the future.”
The breakthrough represents a significant step toward decarbonization in energy and mobility, with the potential to redefine clean fuel technologies across multiple industries.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)