on this page
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Markets
Power & renewables
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Location
Georgia, USA
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Client
Mitsubishi Power
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Completion date
June 2022
Abey Emmanuel
Senior Project Engineer, Kirkland, WA, USA contact form+1 425 877 3403
Hydrogen is expected to play a substantial role in the transition to a net zero carbon future. However, our nation’s power generation fleet is mainly natural gas-powered and a shift to 100% hydrogen-powered electricity would require costly new equipment to be installed. Retrofitting the existing infrastructure to accommodate a blend of hydrogen and natural gas could help accelerate decarbonization goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We worked with Mitsubishi Power to implement a solution by blending hydrogen and natural gas at a power plant in Georgia. The demonstration tested and validated blending 20% hydrogen to produce electricity by using an advanced class gas turbine. The first and largest demonstration of its kind to date, resulted in a 7% reduction in carbon emissions.
Additionally, the demonstration showed it is possible to run the combustion turbine at lower outputs while meeting the environmental limits. This would allow operations to run at lower outputs without shutting down and restarting, improving uptime and saving energy.
Because hydrogen and natural gas differ significantly in their properties, the case wasn’t as simple as replacing one with the other. Hydrogen is about 14 times lighter than air, so containment was a challenge. This also required a comprehensive examination of factors, such as evaluating the pipeline systems, considering pressure, temperature, stress, flow and pipeline age, to make sure the system remained reliable and safe with no issues or interruptions.
We provided detail design and modeling of the hydrogen fuel delivery system, ensuring that the piping system kept the hydrogen and natural gas combination well-mixed when it reached the combustion turbine. In addition, we provided subject matter expertise and advised on code compliance, safety provisions and material selection. A natural gas and hydrogen blending skid was built to mix the two fuels before delivery to the combustion turbine. We provided the design modifications to alter the existing infrastructure to blend hydrogen into the natural gas line.
This monumental demonstration required extensive research, planning, designing and testing. Our deep understanding of hydrogen as a fuel and project experience played an integral part in delivering this project safely. We worked closely with project partners to provide advisory services, detail design and engineering, code compliance, as well as various safety recommendations. By collaborating as a team in a cohesive environment, we were able to achieve a safe and successful outcome that will serve as an example for future projects to meet net zero targets.
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