EDP has produced its first hydrogen molecule in Europe and injected it into a gas turbine at the Ribatejo combined cycle power plant near Lisbon. This marks a new development for the company as part of the European FLEXnCONFU project, which aims to test the practical use of hydrogen and natural gas co-combustion in industrial settings.
The achievement was announced during an event inaugurating a 1.25 MW electrolyzer at the Ribatejo facility. The FLEXnCONFU project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program and led by a consortium of 21 partners from ten countries, including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Greece, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The ceremony included participation from Portugal’s Minister for Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho, EDP CEO Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, and representatives from the European Commission.
According to EDP, “FLEXnCONFU aims to demonstrate how combined cycle power plants can become more flexible and efficient by integrating different technologies and enabling more sustainable operations in a market increasingly dominated by renewable energy.” The project involves two main demonstrators: one at Ribatejo using hydrogen blended with natural gas for electricity generation under real operational conditions; another in Italy using ammonia as an energy carrier to be validated in laboratory settings.
The FLEXnCONFU initiative began in April 2020 and has progressed through several phases including independent lab tests in both the UK and Italy involving various blends of hydrogen or ammonia with natural gas.
At Ribatejo, hydrogen is produced on-site using an electrolyzer that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen via electricity. The hydrogen is then compressed and stored until needed for blending with natural gas during periods of increased electricity demand. This process aims to lower carbon emissions associated with electricity production.
The pilot will assess technical performance as well as environmental and economic factors associated with these new methods. Findings are expected to inform future large-scale green hydrogen projects by EDP and evaluate whether existing turbines can be adapted for co-combustion purposes.
Ribatejo combined cycle power plant began operations in April 2004. It has an installed capacity of 1,176 MW operating solely on natural gas through both gas and steam turbines. According to EDP’s statements about ongoing innovation at this site: “The plant plays a key role in stabilizing the electricity system… especially at a time when renewable energy production is growing rapidly.”
The electrolyzer pilot will continue running until early 2026. Results from this period will guide EDP’s investment decisions regarding green hydrogen based on national and international market developments.
EDP stated: “Aware of the challenges hydrogen still faces in terms of market dynamics, regulation, and technology… EDP — with innovation and research at its core and already producing 90% of its energy from renewables — remains committed to accelerating the global energy transition through realistic, efficient, and sustainable approaches.”
