EnBW’s district heating power plant in Stuttgart-Münster, Germany is expected to have its coal-fired operations replaced with natural gas over the next years, however, two Siemens’ SGT-800 gas turbines will be at heart of the installation, which will be hydrogen capable.

With an electrical output of 62MW and a downstream waste heat recovery system, the two new turbines will replace three coal-fired boilers.

Siemens energy has offered assurances that the turbines will be able to process up to 75% hydrogen admixture from the time they’re shipped in 2025, while the overall package will be prepared to handle 100% hydrogen.

Diana van den Bergh, Engineer at EnBW, explained, “Pipelines, control systems, and boiler technology also have to be converted as quickly and easily as possible when green hydrogen is available.”

Georg Stamatelopolos, Managing Board Member at EnBW, said, “The fuel switch from coal to gas in Münster is an important building-block that will allow us to continue to have sufficient power generating capacity in the coming year. This is the only way we can support the expansion of renewable energy.

“This agreement shows that we’re taking the next step very seriously. Over the medium term, we’ll be replacing gas as a fossil fuel with hydrogen. We’re already laying the groundwork today. This contributes to our goal of first significantly reducing our company’s carbon dioxide emissions and then becoming climate-neutral by 2035.”

In 2021, Siemens Energy received certification from TÜV SÜD, indicating it had a hydrogen-ready power plant concept.

Read more: Siemens Energy receives ‘hydrogen readiness’ certification for its power plant concept

Tim Holt, Managing Board Member at Siemens Energy, commented, “Hydrogen-fired gas power plants have an important role to play in the future energy mix. Hydrogen makes it possible to store energy generated by wind and solar farms, to transport this energy, to convert it back into electricity, and to use it where it’s needed. Our hydrogen-capable turbines give our customers the greatest possible flexibility when it comes to choosing their fuel while also protecting their investment.”