[Report] Hanwha's Global Challenge for Carbon Neutrality Solution: 'Hydrogen Co-Firing Power Generation'

US PSM, a Company Modifying Gas Turbines for Hydrogen Co-Firing
Hanwha Power Systems Leads Domestic Development of Co-Firing Technology
Plans to Demonstrate 100% Hydrogen Power Generation Within the Year

The technology to revive coal-fired power generation, which is on the brink of extinction in the carbon-neutral era, is hydrogen co-firing. By modifying gas turbines that used to burn liquefied natural gas (LNG) to allow the mixed use of hydrogen, carbon emissions can be reduced. Ultimately, it will also be possible to generate power entirely with hydrogen. Hanwha Power Systems has become the first in the world to successfully supply up to 60% hydrogen to commercially operable medium-to-large turbines to produce electricity.

They have also ventured into the business of removing major parts of old coal-fired power plant gas turbines and replacing them with parts suitable for hydrogen co-firing. The protagonists are the U.S. company PSM (Power Systems Manufacturing), acquired by Hanwha Power Systems in 2021, and the Dutch company Thomassen Energy.

PSM Jupiter factory workers are discussing the processing of turbine blade edges. (Photo by Hanwha Solutions)

On the 10th (local time), at the headquarters of PSM located in Jupiter City, Florida, USA, Alex Hoff, CEO of PSM, explained, "In the era of energy transition, it is important that gas power generation changes as much as renewable energy does," adding, "Gas turbines will not disappear but can play a role in supporting renewable energy."

PSM is a gas turbine maintenance company founded in 1999 by aircraft engine engineers. It has been engaged in parts repair, supply, and maintenance services for LNG gas turbines. Gas turbine manufacturers such as General Electric (GE) in the U.S. and Siemens in Germany focus on selling new products when gas turbines become outdated. PSM entered the niche market of repairing and maintaining old parts at a low cost. Thomassen Energy, established in 1896, conducts similar business.

While repairing turbine parts, they accumulated manufacturing know-how and secured modification technology to enable hydrogen co-firing. The most critical parts of a gas turbine are the combustor and turbine blades. Since the operating temperature rises above 1400 degrees Celsius, special materials are used. Handling special materials and repair technology are key.

PSM-developed hydrogen co-firing combustor FlameSheet product (Photo by Hanwha Solutions)

PSM has delivered more than 100 engine parts to regions including North America, South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Notably, they have established a real-time monitoring system for the delivered parts and power plants, providing continuous management services 24/7, 365 days a year. Since being acquired by Hanwha, the number of employees has increased by about 100, and new facility investments continue. They plan to expand their business to the Middle East region.

The hydrogen co-firing turbine combustor developed by PSM, called the "FlameSheet," can co-fire hydrogen up to 60% by volume. Burning hydrogen emits a lot of nitrogen oxides, so maintaining levels between 1 and 9 PPM is crucial. The FlameSheet holds a record of maintaining 5.5 PPM when burning 65% hydrogen.

Hanwha Power Systems is domesticating hydrogen co-firing technology based on the technical capabilities of its overseas affiliates. They plan to conduct a full hydrogen combustion (100%) demonstration test within the year at the DaeSan LNG combined power plant in Chungnam by applying the FlameSheet.

In April, Hanwha Impact and Korea Western Power succeeded in increasing the hydrogen co-firing rate to 60% using an 80MW-class medium-to-large gas turbine. Compared to using only LNG, carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 22%, and nitrogen oxide emissions were recorded below 6 PPM. After the success of 60% co-firing, global major companies such as ExxonMobil have shown interest and proposed collaboration with Hanwha Power Systems.

Son Young-chang, CEO of Hanwha Power Systems, is explaining the current business status at a meeting held at the PSM headquarters. (Photo by Hanwha Solutions)

Following hydrogen, Hanwha Power Systems is researching ammonia combustors as the next step. Their goal is to develop an engine capable of directly combusting ammonia, which is easier to transport than hydrogen, by 2024. Ammonia engines can be applied to ammonia carriers, creating expected synergy with their affiliate Hanwha Ocean.

Son Young-chang, CEO of Hanwha Power Systems, said at a meeting held at the PSM headquarters, "Repairing and replacing gas turbine parts is the optimal solution for power plant operators to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency, thereby extending the life of power plants," adding, "By applying hydrogen co-firing technology, this will become a business model welcomed by power plants, the government, and local communities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.