Hydrogen
CO2-neutral power generation solutions
Jenbacher is ready for the age of hydrogen! With its potential as a CO2-free fuel source and its ability to be stored, hydrogen (H2) is an important part of the energy transition. Jenbacher already has 50 years of experience in converting alternative fuels into power—and more than 8,500 of our Jenbacher gas engines are operating on climate-neutral gases right now. Some of these engines have already been converted to hydrogen power engines, showcasing the versatility of our technology.
As you face stricter emission regulations and a push toward CO2-neutral power solutions, how will you reach a greener future? Renewable power is part of the answer, of course, but traditional technologies also can become CO2-free—if they use hydrogen (H2) as fuel. This is where our hydrogen gas power plant solutions come into play.
Well suited for engines for power, heat and/or cooling generation, H2 can be integrated with solar, wind, or other renewable technologies to form the backbone of your 100% renewable microgrid. When using green hydrogen in engines, you can even achieve a zero-carbon emission solution. This is made possible by our ability to convert gas engines to hydrogen, ensuring a seamless transition to a greener future.
INNIO Group's Jenbacher products can deliver hydrogen-ready power plants today. With an investment in our Jenbacher hydrogen combined heat and power (CHP) technology, you can run your plant on conventional pipeline gas and flexibly start mixing in H2. The switch to a CO2-free operation can be done with an engine conversion when hydrogen becomes more readily available.
In 2020 the world's first Jenbacher gas engine has been converted to run on hydrogen at HanseWerk Natur in Hamburg-Othmarschen, Germany, a prime example of how INNIO gas engines can be converted to use hydrogen as fuel. The Jenbacher gas engine in the 1 megawatt class supplies 30 residential units in a district heating network as well as a kindergarten, a sports field and a leisure center including a cinema.
3 ways to use hydrogen with Jenbacher engines
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H2 in pipeline gas
All new Jenbacher engines are "Ready for H2".* They can be offered with the option of running with up to 25% (vol) of hydrogen in pipeline gas. As hydrogen becomes more readily available, all "Ready for H2" units and most of the currently installed Jenbacher pipeline gas gas-fueled engines can be converted to operate on 100% hydrogen. Type 4 engine solutions are available to run on 100% H2 today.
* In general, “Ready for H2” Jenbacher units can be converted to operate on up to 100% hydrogen in the future. Details on the cost and timeline for a future conversion may vary and need to be clarified individually.
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H2 locally admixed to conventional gas
Up to 60% (vol) hydrogen content can be admixed to pipeline gas fuel for use in special versions of Jenbacher Type 3, 4, and 6 engines. Type 4 engines and CHP systems are available today as dual gas-fuel solutions capable of running on 100% conventional gas, 100% H2, or mixtures of conventional gas and H2.
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100% H2 as an energy source
Jenbacher Type 4 engine solutions now are available as 100% H2 engine systems operating exclusively on hydrogen. These plants are CO2-free by design.
Learn more about our Jenbacher data center solutions here.
The Jenbacher H2 capabilities—today and tomorrow
1 Conventional gas
2 Subject to required modifications for the certification of the fuel gas components. A modification of the maintenance schedule for such components may be required.
In general, “Ready for H2” Jenbacher units can be converted to operate on up to 100% hydrogen in the future. Details on the cost and timeline for a future conversion may vary and need to be clarified individually.
Hydrogen power plant solutions
We are offering upgrades for existing plants or installation of new ones. Whether you choose to convert your current Jenbacher engine plant to "Ready for H2" operation, accepting up to 25% (vol) of hydrogen in pipeline gas, or opt for one of our Type 4 100% H2 engines, you are making a smart investment choice. Combining the electrical energy of hydrogen with heat generation can significantly increase the overall efficiency of the hydrogen power plant solution.
Smart investment in hydrogen technologies
Some of the world’s largest economies—the US, Japan, European Union member countries, China and Canada, for example—have committed to large-scale investment in hydrogen technology in this decade with the belief that H2 will be widely available by 2030. By investing now in INNIO’s Jenbacher “Ready for H2” technology, you will be ready for a hydrogen-based economy. With Jenbacher H2 engines, you can quickly convert from pipeline gas to hydrogen and avoid stranded investments.
Carbon tax case and saving potential
A 1 MW CHP plant running on about 4,000 operating hours per year on conventional gas has current yearly emissions of about 2,500 tons of CO2. When operating with 100% H2, the same plant based on the current CO2 price of around 80 €/ton from the EU Emission Trading Systems (ETS) would save a total of €160,000 per year.
Tour of our 100% hydrogen Jenbacher container
Learn more about INNIO's groundbreaking integrated Jenbacher solution designed for 100% hydrogen operation. Join Henning Liepelt on a detailed tour as we navigate the path to a sustainable, net-zero future. This tour will give you an insight into how we convert gas engines to hydrogen, making them a part of our hydrogen gas power plant solutions.
Learn more about our containerized solution here.
Benefits of hydrogen power generation
- Rely on proven technology
Build on proven and established engine technology that enables you to flexibly move to 100% H2 operation. Our upgrade can be done during an overhaul. - Flexibly move to sustainable energy
Although H2 is a rare energy source today, this will change over time. With your Jenbacher “Ready for H2” plant, you won’t lose momentum. You can move as fast as H2 availability progresses and harvest the green potential. - Meet future emission goals
Once your proven Jenbacher power plant is operating with 100% H2, you’ll have a CO2-free energy solution. - Improve resource efficiency
With CHP efficiency as high as 95%, about one-third of the H2 fuel can be saved versus power generation alone. And, by running our H2 technology in CHP mode, you can help drive the energy transition as you generate CO2-free heat. - Help ensure supply security
With their dispatchability, Jenbacher engines can help balance the intermittence of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar and help maintain the resilience of the electrical grid.
Selected Case Studies
Our experts are ready to help you!
Looking for onsite power solutions?
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Want to lower your energy costs, or even sell electricity back to your local grid?
INNIO’s regional experts can help you figure out the Jenbacher solution that best meets your needs. With a free consultation, you can:
- Explore the advantages of onsite power generation solutions for your company
- Discover how to use economic modeling for added financial benefit
- Get answers on the technical aspects of your project—including fuel types, feasibility studies, and equipment and balance of plant selection
- Learn how to take advantage of regional incentive programs
- Review the delivery options for your project: purchasing, financing, leasing, and engaging a service provider, such as ESCO or BOO
- Find out how to meet emissions targets
Fill out the following contact form or send us an email to contact.en@innio.com. Let's get started!
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Whether your business is looking for onsite power solutions, access to electricity, decreased energy costs, or even to sell electricity back to your local grid/consumers, Jenbacher regional experts can advise you on which solution makes the most sense for you.