HYFLEXPOWER:

EU-funded research project on integrated power-to-hydrogen-to-power demonstration

Generating renewable electricity is one of the main ways to reduce CO2 emissions and address climate change. However, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are inherently variable and may create supply and demand imbalances. Hydrogen-based energy storage has been investigated as one possible approach to addressing these challenges: excess renewable electricity can be used in electrolysers to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be stored and subsequently used in gas turbines to regenerate electricity when required.

 

In this context, the HYFLEXPOWER project investigated and demonstrated the integration of power-to-hydrogen-to-power technologies at industrial scale, including the testing and validation of advanced low-emission hydrogen gas turbine concepts. Within the project, the existing SGT-400 gas turbine package was adapted and experimentally assessed for operation with different natural gas / hydrogen fuel mixtures, with demonstration activities targeting operation with high hydrogen content, including up to 100% hydrogen under specific test conditions.

During two demonstration campaigns, the Smurfit Kappa paper mill in Saillat-sur-Vienne (France) hosted pilot-scale testing activities involving different natural gas and hydrogen mixtures, contributing to the assessment of hydrogen-based flexibility solutions for future energy systems.

Overall Objective

To research and demonstrate the technical feasibility of hydrogen-based flexible power generation concepts supporting low-carbon energy systems.

 

Overall Objective

  • Assessment and demonstration of conversion pathways from renewable electricity to hydrogen through water electrolysis
  • Integration and testing of hydrogen storage within a demonstration environment
  • Development and experimental validation of gas turbine combustion concepts for operation with hydrogen-rich fuels
  • Development and evaluation of an integrated demonstration plant concept
  • Execution of pilot-scale demonstration and validation campaigns

HYFLEXPOWER Workplan

WP1Concept for Hydrogen Integration into Existing Plants

The main goal of WP1 was to evaluate and assess potential concepts for hydrogen integration into existing industrial plants and to provide technical input for subsequent project activities.

WP2Hydrogen Combustion Technology

The overall goal of this work package was the research and development of combustion concepts capable of operating with natural gas / hydrogen mixtures containing up to 100% hydrogen under demonstration conditions.

WP3Pilot Plant Integration, Commissioning and Validation

The scope of this WP included the integration, commissioning and experimental validation of the pilot demonstration plant defined in WP1.

WP4Economic, Environmental and Social Assessment

Work accomplished under this WP included:

  • Market analysis of alternative decarbonisation pathways
  • Environmental assessment of the concepts investigated within the project
  • Socioeconomic assessment and policy-related analysis associated with the technologies investigated

WP5Project Coordination, Communication and Dissemination

This WP included project management and governance as well as communication, dissemination and knowledge-sharing activities.

Video introduction

The HYFLEXPOWER project

A presentation of HYFLEXPOWER by the people who have worked tirelessly to demonstrate that green hydrogen can be used to power an industrial site.