Hydrogen in gas turbines

Abstract The generation mix of Electricite de France includes a large number of nuclear power plants. This enables E.D.F. to produce cheap off-peak electricity. Therefore electrolytic hydrogen could be produced at low cost. Ammonia manufacturers and other chemical plants are potential consumers. But on the other hand gas turbines producing peak electricity could use this electrolytic hydrogen as a fuel. The development program of improved electrolysers adapted to the French case is described. The cost of hydrogen for peak-hour use is then calculated. The technical and economic characteristics of gas turbines using hydrogen, distillate or natural gas are discussed. The investment cost of hydrogen-fired gas turbines per kW appears to be the lowest. An evaluation of the economic conditions for an attractive hydrogen-fired gas turbine has been achieved. The main condition is the natural gas price.