Rolls-Royce Develops Efficient Hydrogen Engine for Cogeneration

Rolls-Royce joins a consortium to create a revolutionary hydrogen combustion engine for CO2-neutral electricity and heat production. The project, financed by the German government, is part of the energy transition.

Share:

Rolls-Royce Développe un Moteur à Hydrogène Efficace pour la Cogénération.

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Rolls-Royce has teamed up with five companies and research institutes to develop an innovative hydrogen combustion engine for combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The Phoenix project, supported by the German government with almost five million euros, aims to produce electrical and thermal energy comparable to that of current natural gas cogeneration units, with an output of up to 2.5 MW. The aim is to create a technologically advanced and reliable solution for the energy industry. Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, says that combustion engines will remain essential to ensure a reliable supply of energy. Rolls-Royce is investing in the development of next-generation hydrogen-powered engines to meet future energy needs, by multiplying partnerships in the sector.

Key Component Development

Project Phoenix focuses on the development of essential components for this hydrogen engine, including the injection system, the piston group and the ignition system, as well as a new specialized lubricant. Project partners include the Institute for Sustainable Mobile Propulsion Systems at the Technical University of Munich, MAHLE Konzern, Fuchs Lubricants Germany GmbH, the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) and Robert Bosch AG. The aim of this three-year project is to develop a mature technological concept, ready for use in a complete prototype engine.

Hydrogen and Energy Strategy

In Germany, the energy strategy includes the construction of new gas-fired power plants to stabilize the supply of renewable energy. Small, decentralized gas-fired power plants play a key role in offsetting fluctuations in wind and solar power. Currently, biogas gensets and the first gas engines converted for hydrogen are being deployed to reduce CO2 emissions. According to Tobias Ostermaier, President of Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, the widespread availability of green hydrogen will make it possible to deploy the hydrogen cogeneration plants developed as part of Project Phoenix.

EDF power solutions has inaugurated a hydrogen pilot plant at the Norte Fluminense thermal power plant, with an investment of BRL4.5mn ($882,000), as part of Aneel's R&D programme.
Plug Power plans to generate $275mn by divesting assets and reallocating investments to the data center market, as part of a strategy focused on returns and financial discipline.
GreenH launches construction of three green hydrogen projects in Bodø, Kristiansund and Slagentangen, backed by NOK391mn ($35.86mn) in public funding, aiming to strengthen decarbonised maritime supply along Norway’s coast.
Nel ASA becomes technology provider for the Enova-supported hydrogen sites in Kristiansund and Slagentangen, with a combined minimum capacity of 20 MW.
French hydrogen producer Lhyfe has signed an agreement to supply 90 tonnes of RFNBO-certified hydrogen to a private fuel station operator in Germany for a fleet of buses.
Loblaw and FortisBC are trialling a hydrogen-powered heavy truck between Vancouver and Squamish, marking a step in the integration of low-emission solutions in Canada’s grocery logistics.
Next Hydrogen announces a private equity placement of CAD$20mn to CAD$30mn ($14.55mn to $21.83mn), led by Smoothwater Capital, to accelerate the commercialisation of its electrolyzers and support its industrial growth.
Transition Industries signed a long-term purchase agreement with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical for the annual supply of 1mn tonnes of ultra-low carbon methanol starting in 2029, from its Pacifico Mexinol project in Mexico.
Norwegian group Nel ASA has received a firm order worth over $50mn to supply its PEM electrolysers for two green hydrogen production units in Florø and Eigersund.
Driven by aerospace, industrial gas, and hydrogen investment, the global liquid hydrogen micro-storage systems market is projected to grow 9% annually through 2034.
The suspension of ARCHES is not slowing hydrogen initiatives in California, where public authorities are accelerating projects for production, transport and use of the fuel in local infrastructure.
The HySynergy I plant produces eight tons of hydrogen per day from renewable energy and marks a new milestone in the deployment of low-carbon hydrogen in Europe, with medium-term expansion projects.
Ahead of Hyd’Occ’s commissioning, Qair hosts hydrogen sector operators and decision-makers in Béziers to coordinate the industrial integration of local production into regional transport.
Plug Power has signed a supply agreement with Allied Biofuels to equip a sustainable fuel production site in Uzbekistan, bringing total contracted capacity with Allied partners to 5 GW.
RIC Energy and Siemens have signed a strategic agreement to develop industrial projects in renewable hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, and green ammonia, focusing on two key sites in Spain.
Element One obtains an exclusive option to acquire up to 100% of Stone to H2, a New York-based company holding patented technology for hydrogen and critical mineral extraction from ultramafic rock.
Elogen will supply a 1 MW PEM electrolyser for a cogeneration plant operated by Veolia Energia Slovensko, in partnership with RoyalStav, near Žiar nad Hronom.
Researchers have designed a system that combines two ammonia production technologies to reduce costs, optimise industrial efficiency and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.
U.S.-based Utility will build a hydrogen production and certification facility in Seongnam, using biogas, marking a strategic step for the expansion of its H2Gen® technology in the South Korean market.
HTEC has inaugurated a clean hydrogen production facility in Burnaby, British Columbia, marking the launch of the province’s first commercial-scale electrolyzer, with a combined production capacity of 1.8 tonnes of clean hydrogen per day.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.