What is hydrogen-fired generation?
Hydrogen can replace natural gas as the fuel for flexible thermal power stations. As an energy vector that does not contain carbon, there are no carbon dioxide emissions at the point of use. Instead, when burnt with oxygen, the by-product is water. Both ‘blue’ and ‘green’ hydrogen can be used to generate low-carbon electricity.
Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas with the resultant carbon emissions captured and stored at this point.
Green hydrogen is created through the electrolysis of water. This process uses renewable electricity and is therefore carbon-free.
How does hydrogen-fired generation work?
SSE's operating expertise
In line with our commitment to a net zero future, we have a core focus on decarbonising our energy generation and storage assets.
SSE Thermal are actively exploring opportunities in hydrogen technologies to ensure we can continue to provide flexible and reliable energy in a net zero world.
Hydrogen also has the potential to decarbonise major industrial activity, as well as the heat and transport sectors, through projects like Zero Carbon Humber in the north of England and the Acorn Project in the north-east of Scotland.
SSE Thermal's carbon capture projects at Keadby and Peterhead could be among the UK's first power CCS projects before 2030 – while we are also developing pioneering hydrogen projects across the full value chain.