Imagine taking an old gas-powered heater and swapping out a few parts so it can run on clean hydrogen instead of natural gas. This project creates a 'plug-and-play' upgrade for industrial turbines so they can switch between gas and hydrogen without breaking. It's like giving an old car a hydrogen engine upgrade while keeping the rest of the chassis.
Industrial plants rely on gas turbines for heat and power but face high CO2 emissions and strict NOx regulations. Replacing these massive turbines is too expensive, creating a need for a cost-effective way to switch to hydrogen fuel.
A retrofittable decarbonization package including an advanced DLE combustion system, an upgraded mixing station, and digital optimization software for electrolyser dispatch.
If you are a chemical plant dealing with high CO2 emissions from heat generation — this project developed a retrofittable solution package that allows turbines to operate on up to 100% hydrogen. This enables a transition to zero CO2 emissions while maintaining industrial heat output.
If you are a CHP operator dealing with volatile electricity prices — this project developed dynamic digital modelling and optimization tools. These tools link hydrogen demand with real-time prices to optimize electrolyser dispatch strategies.
If you are an industrial site dealing with strict NOx emission limits — this project developed an advanced Dry Low Emission (DLE) combustion system. This allows for flexible operation with different hydrogen blends while decreasing NOx emissions.
Based on available project data, the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) is approximately 5 €/kg using the developed optimization models.
Yes, the project is demonstrating the solution at an industrial site in Saillat-sur-Vienne, France, using an upgraded Siemens Energy SGT-400 gas turbine.
Based on available project data, the project explores pathways for upscaling and commercialization, but specific licensing terms are not provided.
The system demonstrates a ramp-rate capability above 10% power/min and can tolerate hydrogen fluctuations of ±30% vol.
The project period runs from 2024-02-01 to 2027-04-30, with the demonstration campaign scheduled for 2025.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven, with 10 industrial partners (83% of the group) and only 2 academic/research entities. Led by Siemens Energy, the group spans 7 countries, indicating a strong commercial push to move the technology from the lab to the market rather than focusing on pure theoretical research.
Contact Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG regarding SGT-400 hydrogen retrofits.
Contact us to connect with the HyCoFlex consortium for retrofit licensing.
