EnBW and Siemens Energy are jointly driving the trend of using green H₂ as a climate-friendly fuel in future power plants. One important pilot project is the EnBW district heating power plant in Stuttgart-Münster, Germany, where natural gas is expected to initially replace coal in approximately 3 yr. All systems are constructed from the very beginning in such a way that the natural gas can be replaced with H₂ as quickly and completely as possible. Two cutting-edge SGT-800 gas turbines from Siemens Energy are at the heart of the installation. The agreement on the overall package was sealed in Stuttgart. The project in the Baden-Württemberg capital is thus taking on a pioneering role nationwide.

“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 years,” said EnBW Managing Board Member, Georg Stamatelopoulos. “This is the only way we can support the expansion of renewable energy. Today’s 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 CO₂ emissions and then becoming climate-neutral by 2035.”

Siemens Energy Managing Board Member, Tim Holt, said, “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 H₂-capable turbines give our customers the greatest possible flexibility when it comes to choosing their fuel while also protecting their investment.”

Switching to H₂ should be as fast as possible

The two new turbines each have an electrical output of 62 megawatts and a downstream waste heat recovery system. They are replacing the three coal-fired boilers that have been at the location until now. The project teams at both companies are also planning for H₂’s future beyond the gas turbines.

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

EnBW is looking at a timeframe of 10 yr–12 yr. In the agreements, Siemens Energy provides assurance that the new turbines will be able to process up to a 75% H₂ admixture from the time they’re shipped in 2025, and the overall package is prepared to handle 100% H₂.