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Research initiative to develop medium speed engine power-plant concepts running on hydrogen or ammonia June 22, 2026
The initiative brings together WTZ Roßlau gGmbH, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, FKFS in Stuttgart and Chemnitz-based municipal utility and power plant operator, eins energie in sachsen GmbH & Co. KG as an associated partner. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
Research into the combustion of hydrogen and ammonia in engines is being conducted on the single-cylinder test bench at WTZ Roblau gGmbH (Photo: WTZ Roblau gGmbH). Image by Everllence.
Everllence expects ammonia- and hydrogen-fueled gas-engine power plants to play a key role during periods of low renewable output - so-called 'dark doldrums' - when electricity generation from wind and solar falls short of demand for extended periods. These gaps cannot currently be covered by battery storage alone and require flexible dispatchable capacity to stabilise the grid. Christian Kunkel, Head of Combustion Development, Four-Stroke R&D at Everllence, said: "Gas-engine power plants are well suited to future electricity markets. Compared with alternative technologies, these engines can connect to the grid very quickly and offer exceptional flexibility in load response, making them an important building block in decarbonising power systems." Partner roles Everllence is responsible for the overall concept, including both the power plant design and the engine concept, as well as the required exhaust aftertreatment systems. Furthermore, • WTZ Roblau gGmbH will develop the combustion processes for hydrogen and ammonia engines; • FKFS will provide combustion simulation and pre-design work; • Fraunhofer ISE will conduct life-cycle assessments and analyse future scenarios for fuel infrastructure and imports; • eins will contribute operational expertise and technical requirements based on practical experience with gas-engine power plants. The HydroMonia project started in January 2026 and is scheduled to run for 36 months. Everllence - Press Release
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