In order to see if hydrogen can be used as a fuel for power generation, WEC Energy Group is leading a pilot project.
At a power plant in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the company plans to test the use of hydrogen and natural gas together. A pilot program for hydrogen power in the United States is one of the first of its kind in America.
With net-zero carbon emissions from electric generation by 2050 and net-zero methane emission by 2030, WEC Energy Group has set some of the most ambitious environmental goals in the energy industry. Decarbonization may have yet another route if this pilot proves successful, building on the industry’s leadership.
“We’re pleased to take a leading role in testing hydrogen in our modern natural gas fueled generation units,” said Gale Klappa, executive chairman. “As we bring more renewable energy online, we must ensure that we can keep the lights on when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing. The potential of adding hydrogen as a clean generating fuel to our fleet of dispatchable plants is an important step as we bridge to a bright, sustainable future.”
WEC Energy Group subsidiary Upper Michigan Energy Resources will use a 25/75 mix of hydrogen and natural gas to power one of its generating units during the pilot project. Reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) are used in the units. Wärtsilä built the engines and put them into service in 2019.
When it comes to energy research and development, no organization is more renowned than the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Together, WEC Energy and EPRI are driving forward new technologies that will help people all over the world get their hands on energy that is free of harmful pollutants while also being safe, reliable, and affordable.
It is EPRI’s responsibility to oversee the technical implementation of the project and to disseminate the results to the energy industry in order to help reduce carbon emissions through the effective use of hydrogen as a power generation fuel.
“Demonstration projects like this one are critical to advancing clean energy technologies needed to meet net-zero goals,” said EPRI CEO Arshad Mansoor. “This project will provide key insights on how this could be replicated throughout the country, providing energy companies with a suite of solutions to reduce carbon emissions. We look forward to working with WEC Energy Group and other energy stakeholders throughout the clean energy transition.”
