(Helsinki, Finland) – Finnish technology company Wärtsilä Corp. has developed a power plant turbine that can be fueled entirely by hydrogen. This represents "a significant step beyond existing technology." The concept is based on the "Wärtsilä 31" platform, which has a global installed capacity of 1.000 megawatts and has accumulated more than one million operating hours.
The “31H2” engine for a “fuel-flexible pure hydrogen power plant” can in principle be operated “with hydrogen or natural gas”. © Wärtsilä Corp.
The first products to be launched using this technology are the "31SG-H2" natural gas engine and the "31H2" pure hydrogen engine. The "31SG-H2" runs efficiently on natural gas and hydrogen mixtures of up to 25 percent by volume. The system can be converted to run entirely on hydrogen. In contrast, the "31H2" is a "fuel-flexible pure hydrogen power plant" that can be operated with hydrogen, natural gas, or mixtures thereof, according to the company's website .
The platform has received a three-stage "H2 readiness" certificate from TÜV Süd. Wärtsilä has now reached the first stage of the conceptual design of its power plant. The 100 percent hydrogen-compatible turbine is expected to be available for order in 2025, with deliveries to begin in 2026.
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Rendering of the turbine's possible use in a hydrogen power plant. © Wärtsilä Corp.
