If hydrogen and EVs are not the future, and they have been hailed as the future for the past years, then what is the future? The transport industry has been working hard to implement sustainable energy solutions, but for the most part, it has focused more on hydrogen and electric vehicles (EVs). However, Germany is pushing those out of the way by introducing a new fuel called ammonia and said it could overtake all these other fuel alternatives.
MAN Energy Solutions is a German company working on global energy solutions and according to reports, it has announced that for the first time, its prototype liquid gas injection ammonia engine has operated at full engine load, and it is set to deliver its first ammonia dual-fuel engines in early 2026. It seems like ammonia is marking its territory within the energy and mobility sector.
Ammonia is the new kid in town, making its way into the energy arena
Ammonia is slowly knocking on those energy doors and they are being opened as it has started to gain traction. Yes, we have hydrogen and EVs as clean fuel alternatives, but ammonia seems to be getting more appreciation, and maybe that is because it is cleaner than the mentioned resources. When produced, it releases no carbon dioxide at all. Now it is starting to make sense why it is getting so much attention.
Early in 2026, MAN Energy Solutions will deliver the first ammonia dual-fuel engines
While we are praising and hyping ammonia as the new energy source surpassing and potentially replacing EVs and hydrogen, MAN Energy Solutions is tapping into its energy game and utilising ammonia for its dual-fuel engines called the ME-LGIA. This engine has been under development since 2020 and went under thorough testing in 2024; now, in 2026, we will see it come to fruition and be utilised within engines.
It gets better. The ME-LGIA engine is very versatile. Not only will it function on ammonia, but on other conventional fuels too. This means even hydrogen fuels can be part of this project. However, because it is cleaner, ammonia is the main focus at the moment. in his words, Ole Pyndt Hansen, two-stroke research and development head at MAN Energy Solutions said,
“We have now operated the engine on ammonia from 25%–100% load, marking yet another important step forward in the maritime energy transition.”
The business conducted a 12-month test of a single-cylinder engine running on ammonia starting in November 2023. According to Lloyd’s List, it reports favourable emission and performance characteristics from previous single-cylinder tests that have now been confirmed in full-scale engine operation.
Things to consider when venturing into ammonia as a fuel or energy solution resource
Ammonia is promising to give a good energy solution; however, there are certain things to consider that can lead to problems if not catered for properly. Ammonia is toxic; therefore, when being stored or transported, there should be safety protocols to be followed so that it does not leak. Therefore, companies can implement training sessions on how to handle it and provide information about how toxic it can be for the environment and for the people handling it.
Another major concern is production costs. Producing green ammonia is relatively more expensive than conventional fuels, and maybe more than hydrogen and EVs too. Therefore, investments in fuel and infrastructure should be considered before making the next step to avoid disappointment and loss. Germany is making sure that it leads by example, and if executed well, ammonia could be the next big thing.
According to Ole Pyndt Hansen, Head of Two-Stroke R&D, MAN Energy Solutions, he also said,
“As a fuel, ammonia’s particular characteristics demand a careful approach and we have taken every precaution in reaching this point where we are comfortable handling it.”
So, perhaps we do not have anything to worry about after this assurance from the energy company.