US power plant engine handles 1/4 hydrogen blend

Conducted at the tail end of 2022, the tests took place at WEC Energy Group’s 55MW A.J. Mihm gas-fired power plant in Michigan using an unmodified Wärtsilä 50SG engine. The engine continued to operate commercially during the three-day trial, supplying electricity to the grid.

Assessments carried out by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) showed that the engine demonstrated both increased efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions, while also staying compliant with NOx emissions. Running on a 25 per cent H2 blend, CO2 emissions from the engine were found to be 9.1 per cent lower than the engine’s standard gas-fired output.  

“These tests provide clear evidence that Wärtsilä’s engine technology can deliver future-proof power solutions that make a huge contribution towards decarbonised operations,” said Anja Frada, COO at Wärtsilä Energy. “The results of the testing with a hydrogen/natural gas blended fuel mix have been outstanding. We continue developing and futureproofing our engines to run on sustainable fuels and expect to have an engine and power plant concept for operating with pure hydrogen available by 2026.