IPS for world’s first hydrogen-fuelled power plant

London – Italy's largest power company Enel has selected Invensys Process Systems (IPS) to supply control and automation technology for the world’s first hydrogen-fuelled power plant, to be constructed in Fusina, near Venice, Italy. The Euro40-million plant, which will be built next to an existing Enel coal-fired power station, is part of the "Environment and Innovation Project," which envisages investments of Euro7.4 billion by 2012.

According to IPS, it fought off stiff competition from within the power market to win the contract. As part of the deal, the company will supply I/A Series automation and Triconex triple modular redundant safety controllers, as well as instrumentation and other site services.

"Enel have found in IPS a technical partner that is dedicated to providing the services and solutions not only to generate electricity, but also to reduce CO2 emissions," said Vittorio Panzeri, operations director of IPS Italy. "Our flexible approach and industry expertise played a significant role in the award of this project."

In the first phase of the project, a demonstration was conducted to verify that the 12 megawatt gas turbine would operate correctly with pure hydrogen as a fuel. The demonstration also provided data on the safety aspects and control technologies required for the efficient combustion of the gas.

The second phase of the programme aims to optimise combustion technology, paying particular attention to nitrogen oxide emissions. The final design of the plant has been completed, public and statutory permission for construction has been obtained and the gas turbine has been chosen and ordered. The plant is expected to begin producing energy and be completely online by June 2010.