A hydrogen burning power plant in Ohio, a first of its kind project in the U.S. is nearing completion, at the site of a former aluminum smelter on the banks of the Ohio River; according to a report by S&P Global.
Firstly, the project is the Long Ridge Energy generation plant; a 485-megawatts facility that has the ability to burn a mix of fuel and green hydrogen. In fact, the infrastructure of the plant allows it to burn, currently, a mix of 5% hydrogen through a General Electric H-class gas turbine.
Secondly, the plant will transition to a 100% green hydrogen in years to come; by relying increasingly on renewable energy to power electrolysis machines that split water.
Thirdly, according to Long Ridge, the project has access to industrial byproduct hydrogen for initial testing; however, the company is partnering with New Fortress Energy for the green fuel transition. It is also exploring underground salt formations for large-scale hydrogen storage.
Moreover, Bo Wholey, president of Long Ridge Energy Terminal, said to S&P. “We are currently in the startup phase. The plant locates at Hannibal, Ohio, and it will be fully operational by September this year; with the green fuel coming in November.”
Also recommended for you: Johnson Controls and Apollo launch energy-efficient buildings JV. Click here to red.
Hydrogen may have dangerous emissions, even green
In addition, Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors, mother company of Long Ridge, said. “Having multiple pathways to generating carbon-free energy is a high priority; and we believe, one that is extremely valuable.”
On the other hand, the estimated cost of the project is around $600 million, underpinned by seven- and 10-year fixed-price power sale contracts; according to S&P, the project is two months ahead of schedule.
Furthermore, the hydrogen-natural gas generation project is the centerpiece of an intended sweeping makeover of the industrial site, where Long Ridge also plans to develop a 125-acre data center campus with 300 MW of capacity.
On the other hand, Long Ridge is not the only company betting con co-generation projects. Other major global companies like Mitsubishi Corp., Siemens and Wärtsilä, are also betting on hydrogen.
Finally, the Union of Concerned Scientists and other clean energy groups have repented on burning hydrogen. They have expressed concerns over dangerous nitrogen oxide emissions that occur even with burning green hydrogen.
