In a groundbreaking development, the Donaustadt power plant in Vienna is conducting the world’s first operational test of blending hydrogen with natural gas in a gas and steam turbine system.
This unique experiment, carried out in collaboration with Wien Energie, Rhein Energie, Siemens Energy, and Verbund, aims to gather crucial insights for the conversion of combined heat and power plants to green gases. With potential CO2 savings of tens of thousands of tons per year, the project holds significant implications for the energy sector.
Advancing the Transition to Green Gases: The joint initiative seeks to leverage the existing infrastructure of gas and steam turbine systems by introducing hydrogen as an alternative energy source. By blending varying amounts of hydrogen with natural gas, the project partners aim to assess the feasibility, performance, and environmental benefits of such a transition. The Donaustadt power plant, with its extensive fleet of gas turbines, serves as an ideal testing ground for this pioneering endeavor.
Investment and Testing Phases: The project involves an investment of approximately ten million euros, reflecting the significance and ambition of the undertaking. The testing process entails gradually increasing the proportion of hydrogen in the mixture over several test days, from 5% to potentially as high as 30%. The primary objective is to evaluate the operational stability and emission reductions achieved at each hydrogen concentration level. If successful, the system could receive certification for continuous operation.
Environmental Impact and CO2 Reduction: By incorporating even a 15% volume of green hydrogen, the Donaustadt power plant could achieve annual CO2 savings of around 33,000 tons. This substantial reduction in emissions has far-reaching implications for mitigating climate change and supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. The plant, which supplies electricity to approximately 850,000 households, exemplifies the potential for large-scale CO2 reductions through hydrogen integration in existing energy infrastructure.
