Industry Report: Hydrogen & Syngas Turbines - the Promise and the Future

The energy sector is witnessing significant advancements in turbine technology, particularly in the use of hydrogen and syngas as alternative fuels. These innovations aim to enhance fuel flexibility, efficiency, and environmental performance, positioning hydrogen and syngas turbines as crucial components in the transition to sustainable energy systems.

Fuel Flexibility and Efficiency

Aurelia Turbines has developed the A400 unit, which exemplifies the latest in fuel-flexible turbine technology. Part of the ROBINSON research project, this turbine can operate on a variety of fuels, including hydrogen, syngas, biogas, and other renewable sources. This versatility is vital for integrating renewable energy into diverse applications, from industrial processes to residential energy needs.

Eiger?y, Norway: The A400 unit is deployed on Eiger?y, an island in Norway, as part of the ROBINSON project, aiming to decarbonize the island's energy system. The turbine's integration into a smart, modular Energy Management System (EMS) helps meet the energy demands of both industrial and residential sectors, while also supporting hydrogen-fueled transportation. The result is a significant reduction in carbon emissions and an increase in energy efficiency for the island community (Aurelia Turbines).

Dry Low-NOx Combustion Technology

Mitsubishi Power is advancing multiple-injection Dry Low-NOx (DLN) burners designed for hydrogen-rich syngas. These burners aim to maintain high efficiency while significantly reducing nitrogen oxide emissions, a common challenge with hydrogen combustion.

Kawasaki, Japan: Mitsubishi Power has successfully tested and deployed DLN combustion technology in its gas turbines at various facilities. These turbines have demonstrated a reduction in NOx emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional turbines, while maintaining high efficiency and reliability. This deployment has been instrumental in meeting Japan's stringent environmental regulations and advancing the country's clean energy goals (ASME Digital Collection).

Advanced Aerothermal Management

Emerging research highlights the need for improved aerothermal management in turbines operating with coal-derived syngas and hydrogen. These turbines operate at higher temperatures, necessitating advanced thermal load management and material integrity solutions to ensure efficiency and longevity.

U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL): Advanced aerothermal management techniques are being tested in high-temperature turbine environments. These tests have shown promising results in maintaining material integrity and operational efficiency under extreme conditions. The improvements in thermal management have led to extended turbine lifespans and reduced maintenance costs (ASME Digital Collection)

Industrial Applications and Decarbonization

Hydrogen and syngas turbines are increasingly deployed in industrial settings to support decarbonization. For instance, the ROBINSON project in Eiger?y, Norway, integrates these turbines within a comprehensive energy solution, addressing both industrial and residential energy demands while supporting hydrogen-fueled transportation.

• Eiger?y, Norway: In addition to the aforementioned deployment of the A400 unit, the ROBINSON project includes the use of an anaerobic digester for biomethane production and a gasifier for converting bio-waste. These integrated technologies have created a sustainable energy ecosystem that significantly reduces carbon emissions and enhances energy self-sufficiency for the island (Aurelia Turbines).
• South Korea: Several industrial facilities in South Korea have adopted hydrogen turbines for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) applications. These deployments have led to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improved overall energy efficiency, supporting the country's ambitious targets for carbon neutrality by 2050 (Aurelia Turbines).

Middle East Deployments:

The Middle East is projected to invest over $150 billion in hydrogen projects by 2030, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the charge (Oxford Business Group).

• aramco entered into a partnership with China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) to develop hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies at the King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) . This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 and to position itself as a global leader in hydrogen production (Oxford Business Group).
• ADNOC Group partnered with TotalEnergies to collaborate on CCUS and Hydrogen Projects. This partnership aims to capture 5 million tonnes of carbon per annum by 2030 and significantly boost hydrogen production capabilities (Oxford Business Group).
• 西门子能源 and Mubadala Investment Company: 西门子能源 signed a MoU with Mubadala to drive the development of Green Hydrogen Ecosystems in the UAE. The partnership includes plans to establish a Photovoltaic-Powered Electrolyzer facility in Masdar City to produce green hydrogen for various applications, including transportation and sustainable aviation fuel.

The Future - A Quick Summary

Hydrogen and syngas turbines are transforming the energy sector, reducing fossil fuel use, emissions, and supporting climate goals. The global hydrogen market is projected to grow from $130 billion in 2020 to $201 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 9.2%. These turbines could cut global CO2 emissions by up to 20% by 2050 (Oxford Business Group). Advances in fuel flexibility and aerothermal management lower costs and boost turbine efficiency by up to 15% (ASME Digital Collection).

Stricter environmental regulations drive the adoption of low-emission technologies. Middle Eastern nations are heavily investing in hydrogen and CCUS to meet carbon reduction targets and international agreements (Oxford Business Group). These turbines enhance energy security by diversifying fuel sources, reducing import dependence, and boosting self-sufficiency. The UAE aims to be a major green hydrogen supplier, strengthening its energy security and economy.

Future directions include ongoing research in material sciences and combustion technologies to improve efficiency and durability. Global hydrogen R&D spending is expected to exceed $10 billion by 2025. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will require over 1,200 GW of hydrogen-powered turbines (Oxford Business Group). Policies and subsidies like tax incentives and grants are encouraging adoption. By 2030, integrated hydrogen and renewable energy systems could supply up to 10% of global electricity, significantly reducing carbon emissions and improving energy security (Oxford Business Group).

References

• Aurelia Turbines. (2024). "A400 on the way to Norway to use syngas and hydrogen." Retrieved from Aurelia Turbines.
• Siemens Energy. (2024). "Siemens Energy to drive the development of green hydrogen economy in the Middle East." Retrieved from Siemens Energy.
• Oxford Business Group. (2024). "The Gulf looks to carbon capture and hydrogen to drive the energy transition." Retrieved from Oxford Business Group.
• Energy Connects. (2024). "Unlocking hydrogen projects in the Middle East." Retrieved from Energy Connects.

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