SSE and Siemens Energy have joined forces to advance hydrogen power in the UK. Their new initiative, Mission H2 Power, aims to develop gas turbines that can run entirely on hydrogen.
This effort focuses on SSE Thermal’s Keadby 2 Power Station in North Lincolnshire, which already uses Siemens’ SGT5-9000HL gas turbine. The goal is to create a combustion system for the turbine that can function on 100% hydrogen, or any mix of hydrogen and natural gas.
Siemens is set to expand its clean energy center in Berlin to test this technology on large gas turbines. This multi-million-pound joint investment underscores the commitment of both companies. Meanwhile, SSE Thermal is also pioneering the Keadby Next Generation Power Station with Equinor, aiming for it to become the world’s first fully hydrogen-fueled power station by 2030. Additionally, SSE and Equinor are planning Keadby 3, potentially the UK’s first power station with carbon capture and storage technology.
Hydrogen power stations are crucial for the UK’s clean energy goals. They provide a flexible backup to renewable energy. The UK is pushing for a decarbonized power grid by 2030. National Energy System Operator analysis suggests that by 2035, about 7GW of low-carbon flexible power is needed in the UK, with half from hydrogen-fueled stations.
SSE and Siemens have collaborated on hydrogen projects before, and both companies highlight hydrogen’s role in a decarbonized grid. SSE Thermal’s Finlay McCutcheon emphasizes the critical need for low-carbon flexible stations. Siemens Energy’s Darren Davidson notes the transformative stage of the energy sector, with a significant step forward being gas turbines running on hydrogen.
UK Minister for Industry Sarah Jones supports making the UK a hydrogen leader. She believes Mission H2 Power will help the government achieve clean power and enhance energy security, protecting against volatile fossil fuel prices.
