Viessmann and OGE test H2-ready condensing boiler with 480 kilowatt output
Green hydrogen has great potential to drive the energy transition. As an innovation leader in the industry, Viessmann is driving forward the development of energy systems for efficient use of the new energy carrier. A newly developed H2-ready condensing boiler with an output of 480 kW is now being tested at the gas network operator OGE.
Allendorf (Eder)/Krummhörn, September 8, 2023 – Climate-friendly hydrogen will constitute an important component of the energy transition. OGE, one of Europe’s leading gas network operators, and Viessmann have therefore partnered together to test the operation of a Vitocrossal CI3 condensing boiler using hydrogen as a fuel source at the Krummhörn compressor station in East Frisia. The field test is taking place within the framework of the “KRUH2” project. Funded by the state of Lower Saxony, the project aims to demonstrate how green hydrogen can be produced on-site from wind power, as well as stored and used for energy to meet the facility’s needs for heat, mobility and electricity.
Dr. Thomas Hüwener, member of the Management of OGE: “With our partner Viessmann, we are actively turning the concept of the energy transition into reality in Krummhörn. Green energy will be needed in all areas of our lives and economies in the future. This will also apply to the facilities that make our energy supply possible in the first place, which makes the project at our compressor station an important piece of the puzzle on the path to climate neutrality.”
Dr. Markus Klausner, Chief Technology Officer of Viessmann Climate Solutions SE: “Climate change is the most pressing challenge facing us today. In our role as catalysts for the energy transition, this collaboration is laying additional groundwork for using environmentally-friendly hydrogen for heat generation and for the rapid roll-out of green climate solutions – with the objective of working together to shape living spaces for future generations.”
Operation using pure hydrogen will be possible in the future
The newly developed H2-ready Vitocrossal CI3 condensing boiler, with a nominal output of 480 kilowatts, will go into operation in September 2023 and will initially be operated with a mixture of 80% natural gas and 20% hydrogen, by volume. The heat generated will mainly be used as process heat for operating the turbine-driven compressors.
If the pilot testing is successful, the condensing boiler could potentially be operated exclusively with hydrogen in the future. In actual operation, this will then demonstrate that the boiler can be converted to the use of 100% hydrogen, with the only requirement generally being a modification to the burner.
Innovative hydrogen cycle for on-site consumption of heat, mobility and electricity
At the Krummhörn compressor station, natural gas arriving by pipeline from Norway and the Netherlands is compressed to a pressure of up to 100 bar before being fed into the long-distance pipeline network. As part of the KRUH2 project, with EUR 2.81 million in funding from the state of Lower Saxony, green hydrogen is produced at this facility using wind energy to power the electrolyser. The hydrogen is stored on-site and used for the facility’s own needs. In addition to providing the heat supply to the compressors, the self-generated fuel source is also used for three hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles. The hydrogen can be converted back into electricity using a stationary fuel cell, depending on demand.
About OGE
OGE is one of Europe’s leading transmission system operators. With our approximately 12,000 kilometers of pipeline network, we transport gas throughout Germany and, due to our geographical location, we are the link for gas flows in the European internal market. Our approximately 1,450 employees stand for security of supply. We make our network available to all market participants on a non-discriminatory, market-oriented and transparent basis. We shape energy supply. Today and in the energy mix of the future.
You can find more information about the company at www.oge.net.
About Viessmann
The Viessmann family business was founded in 1917 as a workshop for heating technology and is today a global, broadly diversified group with more than 14,500 family members and total sales of around EUR 4 billion. The Climate Solutions and Refrigeration Solutions divisions include sustainable heating, cooling, water-quality and air-quality solutions. The family business consolidates strategic investments and cooperations with medium-sized companies under Viessmann Investment. The VC/O diversification sector manages all venture capital investments in early-stage technology companies, including Maschinenraum, as a growing ecosystem for family businesses. The development and operation of sustainable real estate converge in the Real Estate diversification sector. The Viessmann Foundation coordinates all social commitments and stands for the social responsibility of the family business. All activities are based on the corporate mission statement, “We design living spaces for future generations” – this is the responsibility that the large Viessmann family faces every day.