It is the first time a Bergen engine has run with hydrogen in a full-scale industrial application. The trial confirmed laboratory tests that the engine performs normally in real-life conditions and that Viscofan can potentially save almost 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year from its operations.
In recent years Viscofan has renewed its co-generation installation in Cáseda with the latest Bergen engine technology which capable of running on natural gas and hydrogen in variable percentages.
The objective of the Cáseda trials was to measure efficiency and reliability of the engines in real-time continuous use. Fuel blending was carried out to reach a mixed value of 15% hydrogen and 85% natural gas in an engine of the Bergen type B36:45L6AG producing 5.5MW of output in combined heat and power (CHP) configuration.
To carry out these tests, Viscofan’s managers and cogeneration team had the collaboration of a team of Bergen Engines technicians from Norway and the company’s Spanish subsidiary.
The green hydrogen used was provided by Electroquímicas de Hernani with the support of Nippon Gases in charge of the temporary installation, transport and supply of the gas.
A temporary installation of two hydrogen semi-trailers with an approximate capacity each of 4,000 Nm3 of compressed hydrogen at 200 bar, progressively increasing hydrogen flows of 400 Nm3 / h were used.
The use of hydrogen as a fuel significantly and immediately reduces the carbon footprint of the combustion processes, since each cubic meter of natural gas replaced stops emitting 2.15 kg of CO2 into the atmosphere.
José Antonio Canales, CEO of the Viscofan Group, said, “Our will and commitment to the consumption of green hydrogen must be accompanied by unresolved challenges such as the production of green hydrogen at a competitive cost and continuous transport to our facilities.”
Jon Erik Røv, CEO Bergen Engines, was “very satisfied” with the result of the trial.
Bergen Engines produces medium speed liquid and gas fuelled engines and generator sets supplied to a broad range of land based, commercial marine and naval customers.