Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) and Siemens Energy have once again proven the transformative potential of alternative fuels for decarbonisation. The latest demonstration successfully operated an SGT-A35 gas turbine on methanol.
The benefits of methanol as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels involve its production from various feedstock. These include lower carbon intensities using carbon capture and storage (blue methanol), biogenic sources (bio-methanol) or green hydrogen and captured CO2 (e-methanol). Widely available conventional methanol, produced from natural gas can result in a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions today compared to traditional liquid fuels. Renewable methanol can cut CO2 emissions by up to 95%.
Methanol, in all its forms, significantly reduces other emissions including NOx, PM, SO2 and smoke. The demonstration test showed a decrease in NOx of up to 80%.
Siemens Energy and NZTC carried out the demonstration at the RWG facility in Aberdeen, which was witnessed by Proman, a world leading producer of methanol, who also contributed the methanol fuel for the test.
Turning the turbine for another 50 years
The SGT-A35 gas turbine was introduced to the market in the 1970s, now producing up to 38MW of power per unit. Used both offshore and onshore for power generation and mechanical drive, there are 800 plus turbines worldwide which have accumulated over 46 million operating hours.
Siemens Energy utilised 3D printing techniques to manufacture and install the new components required for methanol fuel conversion. This shows that existing gas turbines can be retrofitted to use methanol with minor modifications, proving the feasibility of green methanol for decarbonising current infrastructure.
This latest feat builds on NZTC and Siemens Energy’s 2023 world-first success, demonstrating a less powerful SGT-A20 turbine running on bio-methanol. This showed CO2 emissions could be reduced by up to 75% when compared to conventional fuels.
As every methanol molecule is the same, no matter which feedstock it is produced from, conventional methanol can be blended with increasing amounts of blue or green methanol to meet customer needs and achieve specific carbon intensity targets supporting the decarbonisation pathway.
Charlie Booth, Project Manager at NZTC said:
“This is a key milestone and great result for the Alternative Fuel Gas Turbine project, which was only possible through outstanding collaboration with government and industry. Methanol’s unique properties make it an exceptional choice as a retrofittable, low-carbon alternative fuel and it is great that we are able to showcase the opportunity that exists in adapting existing infrastructure to meet our net zero targets and energy needs. I’d like to express my thanks to all the project participants that made this possible.
Darren Davidson, Vice President Siemens Energy UK&I, said:
“This is another significant step as we transition to a clean energy future in the North Sea. The turbine’s successful operation on methanol marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards sustainable energy. This achievement not only highlights the versatility and adaptability of our turbines but also underscores the practical steps we can take to reduce CO2 emissions in difficult to decarbonise industries. I’m proud of our team’s role, working in partnership, to achieve this.”
Timothy Cornelius, Managing Director Corporate Development, Proman, said:
“We were delighted to work with the team at Siemens Energy as they pioneer the use of alternative fuels in their range of world-class gas turbines. The use of methanol as a cleaner alternative fuel for power generation is growing, driven by its efficient combustion, ease of last mile distribution and global availability. It is a versatile and affordable solution to meet emissions reduction targets, significantly reducing airborne pollutants.as proven by these latest test results.”
Mark Forsyth, RWG Managing Director, said:
“RWG are thrilled to have played a part in this demonstration. Our Aberdeen test facility was retrofitted for the pilot and successfully operated an SGT-A35 aeroderivative gas turbine on liquid methanol. This pilot paves the way for new or existing assets to operate using low carbon fuels without extensive modifications.
The use of methanol as an alternative fuel could eventually play a significant part in reducing emissions. Indeed, another great leap towards decarbonising… and an exciting milestone achieved through collaboration and innovation.”
Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said:
“Supporting industry’s just transition away from reliance on oil and gas and to renewables is vital for meeting Scotland’s net zero goals and offers significant economic opportunities.
“I am pleased to see this welcome progress in funding innovation vital to producing reliable, competitive alternatives to fossil fuels, supported by the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund”.
These demonstrations are being delivered through NZTC’s Alternative Fuel for Gas Turbines project, one of seven projects under NZTC’s Net Zero Technology Transition Programme (NZTTP). NZTTP is funded with £16.5 million from the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund and industry matched funding to transform the North Sea energy system.
