The impact of hydrogen on gas turbine power generation

As we aim to reach our societal goal of net zero, it is necessary to decarbonise all heavy industries. The power sector has made great inroads with this aim with a large influx of renewables energy sources. However, renewables induce instabilities on grid due to their reliance on temporal conditions. Gas turbines are used to manage these instabilities on grid due to their ability to operate ancillary services as they are a flexible generating source. Therefore, to decarbonise the power sector, the gas turbine industry must also be decarbonised.

RWE Generation own and operate 9 GT26 gas turbines across the UK. This research project investigates how the hydrogen capability of the GT26 can be extended aiming to reach pure H2 combustion. This investigation will take the form of experimental studies on the phenomena that the GT26 operates on and determines how hydrogen will effect the running regime. This project will give insight as to how the hydrogen capability of the GT26 can be extended, maintaining the economic viability of GT26 sites and contributing to RWE's net zero goals by 2040.