Hydrogen can play a central role in the decarbonization of energy systems. In particular, natural gas-fired combined cycle power plants (CCPP) currently being built or planned are also expected to run partially or fully on hydrogen fuel in the future. This means that CCPP developers and operators will expect from manufacturers of relevant components or subsystems evidence of the ability of their products to run on hydrogen in the future, also known as "H2-Readiness".
The H2-Readiness guideline and the certification of TÜV SÜD can cover a complete power plant with all relevant subsystems. NEM is a manufacturer of heat recovery steam generators and exhaust gas bypass systems, which are used in CCCP to generate steam or hot water from the exhaust gas of the gas turbines. The concept certificate of TÜV SÜD confirms, that the H2-Readiness concept of NEM for the bidding phase of newly built projects complies with the requirements of the guideline and that the heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) are ready for the use with hydrogen up to 100 percent.
The H2-Readiness certification of TÜV SÜD includes three stages and three certificates. First, a concept certificate for the conceptual design including boundary conditions during the bidding phase; second, a project certificate for the final plant design and its specifications; and third, a transition certificate for the conversion of an existing CCPP to burn hydrogen – including a review of the retrofit measures and their impact on safety and performance.
“This is the first time, that we have issued a concept certificate to a manufacturer of heat recovery steam generators. This shows that our guideline and our certification scheme can be applied modularly by selecting the relevant sections for the evaluation,” says Pierre Huck, responsible project manager on the TÜV SÜD side.
“We’re proud to be the first HRSG manufacturer to receive this important certification. If we design our heat recovery steam generators today for future operation with hydrogen, they will make an important contribution to a reliable and sustainable power supply in the long term,” says Sebastiaan Ruijgrok, Manager Marketing & Business Development at NEM.
The TÜV SÜD certification can be applied to a wide range of solutions. The provider of testing, inspection and certification services has amassed wide-ranging expertise and experience in the field of hydrogen technologies supporting the entire H2 value chain from production, storage and distribution up to application in various areas, such as industrial production, transport or power generation.
For more information on TÜV SÜD services for a safe and sustainable hydrogen industry visit https://www.tuvsud.com/hydrogen.