Technology group Wärtsilä has announced the launch of the world's first large-scale 100% hydrogen-ready engine power plant, aiming to support the development of net-zero power systems in the future. The International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2023 highlights the importance of hydrogen in achieving global net zero emissions by 2050. The report indicates the necessity of consuming hydrogen in power generation, with a projected increase to 51 Mt by 2050. The rise in renewable energy deployment worldwide presents an opportunity to utilize excess clean electricity for the production of hydrogen-based, carbon-neutral fuels and to establish 100% renewable power systems. While scaling up renewables is crucial, additional flexible power generation solutions, like engine power plants, are essential to balance the variability of renewable energy sources. Wärtsilä's new hydrogen-ready engine power plant offers a solution that can be converted to run on 100% hydrogen, surpassing current technology that can only handle natural gas and 25 vol% hydrogen blends. The company emphasizes the importance of flexible, zero-carbon power generation that can support intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. The Wärtsilä 31 engine platform, on which the hydrogen-ready power plant is based, is recognized for its efficiency and quick grid synchronization capability, ensuring energy security and high part load efficiency. The company has obtained certification from TÜV SÜD for its hydrogen-ready engine power plant concept, with plans to make it available for orders in 2025 and deliveries starting in 2026. Wärtsilä's commitment to quality and safety is highlighted through the certification process, with the company's engines showcasing fuel flexibility and the ability to transition from natural gas to hydrogen when needed, contributing to the journey towards net zero emissions.