INNIO Group has been awarded the prestigious COGEN Europe Recognition Award 2024 in the Technology and Innovation category for its groundbreaking 1 MW-class hydrogen combined heat and power (CHP) plant. This innovative project, developed in collaboration with RAG Austria AG, marks a significant step forward in sustainable energy solutions by harnessing green hydrogen for electricity and heat production.
Revolutionizing Seasonal Energy Storage
The hydrogen CHP plant is powered by green hydrogen produced during the summer via water electrolysis from surplus renewable energy. The hydrogen is stored in the world’s first underground hydrogen storage in a porous reservoir at Rubensdorf near Gampern, Austria. This storage facility can hold up to 4.2 GWh of surplus solar power in the form of hydrogen, which is later converted back to electricity and heat during winter using INNIO’s Jenbacher technology.
Andreas Eberharter, VP of Product Management & Marketing for INNIO Group’s Jenbacher brand, accepted the award at the COGEN Annual Conference and highlighted the project’s significance:
“This award celebrates our teams’ achievements and underscores our collaboration with RAG Austria AG in addressing three critical aspects of green energy supply: storage, transport, and generation. By harnessing summer solar energy for winter use, this project serves as a blueprint for sustainably balancing seasonal energy demand with green hydrogen.”
Pioneering the Path to Net Zero
The project addresses one of the most pressing challenges of the energy transition: seasonal energy storage. By showcasing how surplus renewable energy from summer can be stored and reused during energy-intensive winter months, the partnership between INNIO and RAG Austria is paving the way for the decarbonization of power generation.
The Jenbacher CHP plant is a flagship example of how natural gas systems can gradually transition to hydrogen-based, emission-free solutions. The facility in Gampern not only provides local electricity and heat but also serves as a scalable model for the future of renewable energy.
About INNIO Group
INNIO Group is a global leader in sustainable energy solutions, offering innovative technologies through its Jenbacher and Waukesha product brands and the AI-powered myPlant digital platform. Supporting over 57,000 engines worldwide, INNIO delivers resilient, scalable energy solutions across more than 100 countries.
Headquartered in Jenbach, Austria, with major operations in the U.S. and Canada, INNIO employs over 4,000 experts, empowering industries and communities to navigate the energy transition while addressing the challenges of traditional and renewable energy landscapes.
A Blueprint for Emission-Free Energy
This award-winning project represents a significant leap in clean energy innovation, proving that green hydrogen can play a vital role in balancing energy supply and demand while driving the transition toward a net-zero future.
