Technology conglomerate Wärtsilä has unveiled what it claims is the globe's first large-scale engine power plant fully prepared for 100% hydrogen operation, a key step towards the future's net-zero power systems.

Source: PowerProgress

With the expected doubling of renewable energy deployment worldwide by the end of the decade, there is a pressing need for flexible power generation solutions like engine power plants. These plants will be critical in balancing the varying output of renewable energy sources, a need that Wärtsilä aims to meet with its newly launched hydrogen-ready engine power plant. This plant is designed to run fully on hydrogen.

The ground-breaking engine power plant is designed to operate on natural gas and 25 vol% hydrogen blends initially. It boasts swift synchronization with the grid within 30 seconds, promising fuel flexibility and energy security. It also offers optimal load-following capabilities and high part-load efficiency.

The hydrogen-ready power plant is built on the Wärtsilä 31 engine platform. The first products to be released will be the 100% hydrogen-ready natural gas 31SG-H2 engine and the 31H2 pure hydrogen engine. The former can operate on natural gas and hydrogen blends of up to 25% volume before conversion, and when larger volumes of hydrogen are available, it can be transitioned to run on 100% hydrogen using Wärtsilä’s engine conversion package. The 31H2 is a fuel-flexible power plant that can run on either hydrogen or natural gas.

Wärtsilä's hydrogen-ready engine power plant concept has already clocked more than 1 million running hours, with over 1,000-MW installed capacity worldwide. It has earned certification from TÜV SÜD, reflecting a commitment to safety and quality.

We will not meet global climate goals or fully decarbonize 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. 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.

Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy

The company anticipates orders for the 100% hydrogen-ready engine to start in 2025, with deliveries starting in 2026.