What are sustainable gas turbine fuels?

Sustainable gas turbine fuels are all fuels that produce very low or zero CO2 emissions, such as sustainable hydrogen (green, pink, blue, turquoise), its derivatives (e.g. e-ammonia, e-methanol) and 2nd generation biofuels, e.g. biogas, biomethane, hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), bio-methanol and bio-ethanol.

What are the most effective alternative fuels for gas turbines compared to fossil fuels?

All low or zero carbon fuels that fall within the fuel specification of the gas turbine model can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from gas power plants compared to fossil fuels. While blue hydrogen (and its derivatives) and biogenic fuels typically show 65-90% GHG emission reductions, green hydrogen and its derivatives can achieve 95-100% reductions.

How can gas turbines achieve carbon neutrality or be decarbonized?

Gas turbines can achieve carbon neutrality in two different ways: By using carbon neutral fuels (such as hydrogen, hydrogen derivatives or biofuels) or by using natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS).

What is the optimal or most cost-effective alternative fuel for gas turbines?

The most suitable sustainable fuel for a gas turbine depends on local factors such as the expected operating regime of the power plant, the availability and cost of alternative fuels, which vary widely from one region to another. The optimal fuel will therefore always be a project-specific decision.

Is it currently possible to run a gas turbine on biogenic fuels?

Several biogenic fuels have already been qualified for use in Siemens Energy gas turbines: While all frames can run on biomethane, there are first frames approved for use with HVO100 and bio-methanol. As development continues, more biogenic and other alternative fuels will become available for the Siemens Energy gas turbine product portfolio.

Sustainable Alternative Fuels for Power Plants

Gas turbines running on sustainable alternative fuels play a critical role in future energy systems by providing flexible, carbon-neutral solutions to complement intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Gas turbines, capable of rapid ramp-up and down, are ideal for balancing grids and ensuring reliable power supply.

Using sustainable fuels enables significant to full decarbonization while leveraging existing infrastructure. This combination addresses the dual challenge of meeting growing energy demand and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making it a cornerstone for the global transition to sustainable energy.

Sustainable fuels are alternatives to traditional fossil fuels that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. These fuels can be derived from various sources, including renewable energy, biogenic materials, and processes that capture and utilize carbon dioxide.

Sustainable primary fuels, including hydrogen, biofuels and hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia and methanol, provide a diverse portfolio of options for decarbonizing gas turbines and supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Switching to alternative fuels reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable fuels and gas turbines are key to meeting residual load demand, complementing renewables and achieving a fully decarbonized power system, making them essential to the global energy transition.

Infographic sustainable alternative fuels

Icon for reducing carbon emissions - a CO2 cloud with an arrow going down

Icon for energy security - hand with an bolt

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Hydrogen has emerged as a leading candidate for decarbonizing the power sector. It can be produced from various sources, including renewable energy (green hydrogen), or natural gas with carbon capture (blue hydrogen).

Siemens Energy has successfully demonstrated dry low emissions combustion of 100% green hydrogen using an SGT-400 gas turbine and is accelerating the development of gas turbine technology for 100% hydrogen firing, including mid-sized and large frames ensuring readiness for a hydrogen-powered future.

Zero carbon emissions: When burned, hydrogen produces only water vapor, resulting in zero carbon emissions.
Abundant and versatile: Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and can be produced from various renewable resources.
Wide application: economies of scale are expected to develop widely with an expanding hydrogen infrastructure for use as feedstock and fuel for industrial processes, transport and power generation.

Exergi power plant in Stockholm - view at sunset

Sustainability: HVO offers significant greenhouse gas savings compared to conventional diesel, without competing for land needed to grow food.
Storage stability: HVO is suitable for long-term storage, even in colder climates.
Infrastructure compatibility: HVO can be used in existing diesel infrastructure with minimal modifications. It is a sustainable fuel for gas turbines, similar to conventional diesel.

Other biogenic fuels like biogas, biomethane, biodiesels/ FAME, and ethanol offer alternatives to hydrogen for decarbonizing power generation. They often benefit from compatibility with existing infrastructure and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. However, challenges include limited storability (e.g., FAME degrades over time) and competition with food production for feedstocks like the ones used today for bioethanol production.