The technology group Wärtsilä has introduced the world’s first large-scale 100% hydrogen-ready engine power plant to support the net-zero power systems of the future. The International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2023 highlights the importance of hydrogen in future power systems. The report states that to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, 17 Mt of hydrogen will be needed for power generation in 2030, increasing to 51 Mt by 2050.
Renewable deployment worldwide is expected to double by the end of the decade, creating opportunities to utilize excess clean electricity for producing hydrogen-based, carbon-neutral fuels. While scaling up renewables is crucial, flexible power generation solutions like engine power plants are essential to balance fluctuating renewable energy sources. Wärtsilä has addressed this need with its new hydrogen-ready engine power plant, which can be converted to run on 100% hydrogen.
Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy, emphasized the importance of flexible, zero-carbon power generation to meet global climate goals. He acknowledged that natural gas will continue to play a role in power systems for years to come and highlighted the fuel flexibility of Wärtsilä’s engines. These engines can currently use natural gas for flexibility and balancing and can be converted to hydrogen in the future, contributing to the journey towards net zero emissions.
The Wärtsilä 31 engine platform, on which the hydrogen-ready power plant is based, is known for its efficiency, grid synchronization speed, fuel flexibility, and load-following capabilities. The platform has a proven track record with over 1 million running hours and 1,000 MW of installed capacity globally. The hydrogen-ready engine power plant concept has been certified by TÜV SÜD, demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety.
The 100% hydrogen-ready engine is expected to be available for orders in 2025 and for delivery from 2026. This milestone represents a significant advancement in the energy transition towards 100% renewable power systems. Wärtsilä’s focus on sustainable technologies and services aligns with the global shift towards decarbonization.
For more information, please contact Katri Pehkonen, Communications Manager at Wärtsilä Energy. Wärtsilä Energy is dedicated to accelerating the transition to a 100% renewable energy future by offering market-leading technologies and power system expertise. Their solutions include flexible engine power plants, energy storage technology, and services for the lifecycle of installations, all designed to run on sustainable fuels. Wärtsilä has a strong track record globally with 79 GW of power plant capacity and over 125 energy storage systems in 180 countries.
Wärtsilä, a global leader in innovative technologies for the marine and energy markets, is committed to sustainability and environmental performance. With a team of 17,800 professionals across the globe, Wärtsilä is shaping the decarbonization transformation of industries worldwide. Their net sales in 2023 totaled EUR 6.0 billion, and they are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
The introduction of the world’s first large-scale hydrogen-ready engine power plant by Wärtsilä marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable and decarbonized energy future. This innovative technology paves the way for 100% renewable power systems of tomorrow.