Germany – DEUTZ AG and RheinEnergie AG, both based in Cologne, are experimenting with energy generation using a stationary DEUTZ hydrogen engine.
The first H2 genset was put into service at RheinEnergie’s cogeneration plant in Cologne’s Niehl district, kicking off the partners’ flagship project. During the initial six-month test phase, a TCG 7.8 H2 hydrogen engine and a generator will deliver electric power of up to 170 kilovolt-amperes (kVA). This electricity will be directly fed into the power grid of Cologne. The waste heat from the genset will be used in a second step. DEUTZ and RheinEnergie’s pilot solution has enormous potential for local, carbon-neutral energy supply in urban areas.
Investment
The partners have invested a total of €1.3 million in the pilot project to provide electricity that is climate-neutral. Expanding the H2 infrastructure and making enough green hydrogen available at affordable market prices are both required for a reliable and local energy supply that does not emit greenhouse gases. As a result, the partners believe the onus is now on politicians. Without regulatory support, the European Green Deal will fail.
