John Cockerill achieves certification for H2-ready HRSGs
The shift towards hydrogen (H2) is key for achieving climate neutrality and supporting the energy transition for combined-cycle power plants, with the target of net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the EU Green Deal. In this context, John Cockerill has announced the award of a concept certificate from TÜV-SÜD for the H2-readiness of its heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs).
The EU already integrates H2 in its energy mix and many countries will therefore inevitably phase out fossil fuels. In this perspective, H2, as a highly reliable potential fuel for combined-cycle power plants, and offering zero carbon emissions, will have a key role to play in power generation.
Considering its enormous advantages, oil and gas companies are gearing up to use H2. New and existing natural gas-fired, combined-cycle power plants are therefore expected to fully operate on H2 or other fuels blended with H2. They will therefore have to be H2-ready.
After having established a guideline to define the H2-readiness of power plants and their related equipment, TÜV-SÜD, as an independent third-party, proposes the certification for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies. These guidelines and certification can encompass an entire power plant with all relevant sub-systems.
In this context, John Cockerill Energy, one of the world leaders in the design and supply of HRSGs and exhaust gas bypass systems for combined-cycle power plants, has modified its heat recovery boiler design to allow them to operate with H2 instead of fossil fuels.
John Cockerill’s HRSGs are steam generators that recover heat from hot flue gasses at the outlet of gas turbines. The heat is transformed into steam to feed a steam turbine and to produce power or a combination of power and heat. The company’s HRSGs enhance the efficiency of power plants while reducing emissions for each produced megawatt.
The concept certificate from TÜV SÜD is for the H2-readiness of John Cockerill’s HRSGs for combined cycles and cogeneration applications, with drum-type and once-through boiler designs. The certificate confirms that John Cockerill’s H2-readiness concept for the bidding phase of new projects meets TÜV SÜD ’s guidelines requirements and that its HRSGs are ready to operate with up to 100% H2.
“We are proud to receive this prestigious certification,” says Eric Absil, President of John Cockerill’s Energy Solutions Business Line, “which makes John Cockerill one of only two manufacturers to receive this recognition. Designing heat recovery steam generators for future hydrogen operations will significantly contribute to a reliable and sustainable power supply in the long term and will propel us in the energy transition, and the zero-emission generation.”
This certificate covers vertical and horizontal technologies, both mastered by John Cockerill, with or without supplementary firing, and potentially the use of fresh air firing, both for new and retrofitted concepts.
John Cockerill has showcased its ability to ensure optimal performance of HRSGs while maintaining effective emissions control. Its design includes selecting appropriate controls for the unit and addressing all safety-related aspects, such as ventilation, purging, fire and explosion protection, and conducting hazard and safety analyses.
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