Hydrogen-Enhanced Gas Turbines: A Pathway to Low-Carbon Industrial Power<br />Author: Eng. Abdullah Marza Hamza<br /><br />Related Sustainable Development Goals:<br />- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy<br />- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure<br />- Goal 13: Climate Action<br />As industries transition toward cleaner energy sources, hydrogen-enhanced gas turbines are gaining attention as a powerful solution for reducing carbon emissions without sacrificing energy output or reliability. These advanced turbines operate by blending hydrogen with natural gas or running on pure hydrogen, enabling significant CO₂ reduction in power generation for heavy industrial use. Gas turbines are widely used in electricity production and industrial heating due to their high efficiency and quick ramp-up capabilities. By incorporating hydrogen—a fuel that emits only water vapor upon combustion—turbines can drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially in sectors where electrification is challenging or economically unfeasible. Modern turbine designs are being adapted to manage the combustion characteristics of hydrogen, which burns faster and hotter than methane. Engineers are developing new materials, cooling systems, and control technologies to ensure flame stability, prevent flashback, and manage nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions, which can increase with higher hydrogen content. Pilot projects around the world have already demonstrated the viability of hydrogen-fired turbines in various settings, including combined heat and power (CHP) systems, grid balancing plants, and refinery co-generation. These implementations not only prove technical feasibility but also provide valuable data for scaling up deployment. However, challenges such as hydrogen storage, transportation infrastructure, and production costs must be addressed to realize the full potential of this technology. The integration of green hydrogen—produced via renewable-powered electrolysis—further strengthens the environmental benefits and aligns with decarbonization targets. Hydrogen-enhanced gas turbines are a critical enabler for industrial decarbonization. By leveraging existing turbine infrastructure and gradually shifting toward cleaner fuel blends, industries can meet sustainability goals while maintaining operational continuity and economic competitiveness.<br /><br />"Al-Mustaqbal University – The No. 1 Private University in Iraq"<br /><br />