Wärtsilä has recently unveiled a groundbreaking development in the energy industry by introducing the world’s first large-scale hydrogen-ready engine power plant. This state-of-the-art facility has the capability to be converted to operate entirely on hydrogen, marking a notable advancement in the quest for more sustainable and adaptable power generation solutions.
The creation of this innovative plant is a pivotal response to the increasing demand for flexible power generation technologies that will play a crucial role in achieving net-zero emissions. In contrast to current technology, which is restricted to running on natural gas and 25 vol% hydrogen blends, the new hydrogen-ready power plant signifies a significant step forward in addressing the need for flexible, zero-carbon power generation that can swiftly adapt to support intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Anders Lindberg, the president at Wärtsilä Energy, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough, stating, “We will not meet global climate goals or fully decarbonise our power systems without flexible, zero-carbon power generation, which can quickly ramp up and down to support intermittent wind and solar. We must be realistic that natural gas will play a part in our power systems for years to come.”
Lindberg further explained, “Our fuel flexible engines can use natural gas today to provide flexibility and balancing, enabling renewable power to thrive. They can then be converted to run on hydrogen when it becomes readily available, future-proofing the journey to net zero. This is a major milestone for us as a company, and the energy transition more generally, as our hydrogen-ready engines will enable the 100% renewable power systems of tomorrow.”
The cornerstone of this groundbreaking power plant is the Wärtsilä 31 engine platform, which is renowned for being the most efficient in the world. The engine is capable of synchronising with the grid within 30 seconds from a start command, ensuring energy security through fuel flexibility, and offering exceptional load following capabilities and high part load efficiency. With over 1 million running hours and more than 1,000MW installed capacity globally, the Wärtsilä 31 engine platform is a testament to its reliability and performance.
Furthermore, Wärtsilä’s hydrogen-ready engine power plant concept has been certified by TÜV SÜD, a renowned international certification body. The H2-Readiness certification, which consists of three stages with corresponding certificates, has seen Wärtsilä successfully achieve the first stage with a Concept Certificate for the design of its engine power plant. The company anticipates that the 100% hydrogen-ready engine will be available for orders by 2025 and for delivery by 2026.
In conclusion, Wärtsilä’s unveiling of the hydrogen-ready power plant represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable and flexible power generation solutions. This breakthrough not only demonstrates the company’s commitment to driving the energy transition but also offers a glimpse into the future of 100% renewable power systems.