Bridging to the Future: generating electricity burning H2.

In today’s landscape, themes like energy transition, security, and decarbonization are ubiquitous. Conversations abound in panels, dialogues, and round tables, but the time has come to move beyond mere talk and take decisive action. Our planet offers no extensions, and there is no “Planet B.”

Over the past year, my team has engaged with more than 300 customers across the region. What struck me was the readiness of energy asset owners—those with operational equipment—to make informed decisions and invest in solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions, and generate cleaner electricity. However, there’s a crucial caveat: the business case must be viable.

But how do we create a viable business case?

During a working session with a customer, our technology faced scrutiny from a CEO. The auction didn’t prioritize CO2 reduction. Consequently, this aspect was excluded from the contract we signed.

In another recent meeting with an energy minister, the challenge was to execute a hybrid project involving gas turbines, solar, hydrogen (H2), wind, and storage. Despite a budget allocation, the risk-reward balance didn’t align for all stakeholders.

Reflecting on last year’s solution findings, negotiations, and project implementations, I take immense pride in our achievements within #GasServices. We’ve spearheaded numerous projects that serve as beacons for the future—a roadmap for decarbonizing energy.

Since 2022, Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in Latin America, embarked on a significant initiative to modernize its cogeneration power and steam plant at the?Petrochemical Complex in S?o Paulo, Brazil, and Siemens Energy Gas Services was chosen as the partner for this transformation.

The upgraded plant features two SGT-600 gas turbines equipped with third-generation dry low emissions (DLE) technology. These turbines currently run on residue gas with high concentrations of hydrogen (H2), burning between 30% to 60% of H2. Moreover, they are prepared to burn up to 80%, effectively generating 39 MW of electricity. This clean energy source contributes to powering the lives of nearly?500,000 inhabitants.

While navigating the landscape of energy transition, we recognize that not all business cases receive immediate support from the short-term capital market. Regulatory challenges persist, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to overcoming these obstacles, one step at a time.

Fadi