State-run power producer NTPC and Siemens Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to demonstrate the feasibility for hydrogen co-firing blended with natural gas in Siemens V94.2 gas turbines installed at NTPC Faridabad gas power plant.
The Faridabad gas power plant has a total installed capacity of 432 mega Watt (MW) with two V94.2 gas turbines operating in combined cycle mode.
Achieving de-carbonising targets requires a concerted and wide-ranging roadmap across all energy intensive sectors. As a part of this road map, hydrogen co-firing in gas turbines can play a key role in reducing the CO2 emissions. NTPC Ltd, being the largest power generator in India, intends to play a major role in energy transition and achieving the COP26 commitments. As a part of this initiative, NTPC is exploring various new hydrogen generation technologies along with hydrogen usage so as to ensure future readiness, develop the required capabilities, technical expertise, align with the national decarbonising and hydrogen mission targets.
Under the MoU, both the companies will collaborate to study the feasibility of introducing hydrogen co-firing in Faridabad gas power plant. Based on the feasibility studies, a pilot project for 5 per cent (by volume) hydrogen co-firing may be implemented for demonstrating the capability and NTPC will arrange the hydrogen required for the project.
“NTPC is pioneering various hydrogen related initiatives and is carrying out various R&D works in this field so as to bring in a technology which can provide green, affordable, reliable and sustainable power for all. This MoU is one of the few steps taken by NTPC to meet these targets. Hydrogen co-firing can help in utilising the existing NTPC gas assets, lowering the cost of electricity from gas plants when green hydrogen is available at a lower cost. Also, these gas turbines can help in providing flexibility to the grid during renewable era and help in stabilising the grid. We believe that partnering with Siemens Limited that has global expertise in this technology will help us meet our objectives under the National Hydrogen Mission.” said, Manish Kumar Srivastava, executive director, NTPC Ltd.
“This MoU demonstrates that India has accelerated its energy transition and decarbonisation journey. We take great pride in collaborating with NTPC as we believe that together we can make existing and future power systems more efficient, flexible and sustainable” said Ashish Sareen, head of service and digital, energy - Siemens Limited.