Revolutionizing Power Generation with Wärtsilä's Hydrogen-Ready Engine
Key Ideas
  • Wärtsilä's hydrogen-ready 31SG-H2 and flexible-fuel 31H2 engines are designed to revolutionize power generation by running on natural gas, hydrogen blends, or 100% hydrogen, enabling carbon-free electricity production.
  • The engines can quickly ramp up or down to support intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind, providing grid stability with minimal downtime and synchronizing in just 30 seconds.
  • The company's power plant concept, certified by TÜV SÜD, aims to pave the way for a future where natural gas can be initially used for flexibility before transitioning seamlessly to hydrogen as it becomes more widely available.
  • Wärtsilä's engines are expected to be available for delivery by 2026, offering a reliable and efficient solution for the transition to net zero emissions in the power sector.
Wärtsilä, a Finnish company renowned for its large engines, is transforming power generation with the introduction of the hydrogen-ready Wärtsilä 31SG-H2 and flexible-fuel 31H2 engines. Originally designed for marine applications, these engines are now repurposed to serve as generators for clean, renewable electricity production. The 31SG-H2 engine can operate on natural gas or a blend of natural gas and hydrogen, with the capability to be upgraded to run on 100% hydrogen. On the other hand, the 31H2 engine is designed to run exclusively on hydrogen while also accepting natural gas or blended fuels. The hydrogen-powered generators are part of Wärtsilä's vision to firm up renewables-based grids by providing quick response capabilities to support fluctuating clean energy sources like solar and wind. These engines can seamlessly synchronize with the power grid within 30 seconds, ensuring stability and reliability in electricity generation. Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy, highlights the importance of natural gas in the current power systems, noting the engines' ability to transition from natural gas to hydrogen as the latter becomes more accessible. The company's power plant concept, recently phase 1 certified by TÜV SÜD, aims to set new standards in large-scale hydrogen power generation. With over a million running hours and 1,000 MW installations to date, Wärtsilä demonstrates a proven track record of reliability in the industry. By offering a pathway to net zero emissions, Wärtsilä's engines play a crucial role in the global energy transition towards a more sustainable future.
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