Construction has commenced on a crucial expansion of a gas turbine test facility near Berlin. This work marks a significant stride in the “Mission H2 Power” collaboration—a multi-million pound joint effort by SSE, Siemens Energy, and Equinor—aimed at developing cutting-edge turbines that can run entirely on 100% hydrogen.
Hydrogen is set to be a key pillar of the future energy landscape. The UK government recognizes that new power stations capable of using hydrogen are essential for security of supply, reducing emissions, and providing flexible backup for intermittent renewable energy sources. SSE is taking a lead role in developing this next generation of power technology.
The Mission H2 Power Milestone
Delegates from the three partner companies gathered at the ground-breaking ceremony at Siemens Energy’s Clean Energy Centre near Berlin. The current combustion test facility is being significantly expanded to allow for the testing and validation of components for the largest class of gas turbines, ultimately enabling their full operation on hydrogen.
Initial work, including earthworks, is now underway to prepare for the installation of much larger hydrogen tanks and the required supporting infrastructure. Once complete, testing with the expanded capabilities is scheduled to begin in autumn 2026.
The co-investment will see Siemens Energy develop a new combustion system for its powerful SGT5-9000HL gas turbine. The goal is a system capable of 100% hydrogen firing while maintaining the flexibility to operate on natural gas or any blend of the two fuels.
Decarbonizing UK Power
This technology will directly support the decarbonization of SSE’s Keadby 2 Power Station in North Lincolnshire, which currently uses this same highly-efficient turbine. Blending and eventually transitioning to hydrogen operations at Keadby 2 will ensure this class-leading technology is ready for a net zero future.
The investment underscores SSE’s commitment to accelerating hydrogen projects and creating pathways for flexible, low-carbon electricity generation. SSE is developing two more facilities—Keadby and Ferrybridge Next Generation Power Stations—which are being designed from the outset to run on gas, hydrogen, or blends. These could become the world’s first large-scale power stations to run on 100% hydrogen.
Industry and Government Endorsement
Michael Shanks, UK Government Minister for Energy, highlighted the potential of this technology: “Hydrogen-fired power stations have the potential not only to cut emissions, but will help get us off the rollercoaster of international fossil fuel markets while supporting good, skilled jobs.”
Finlay McCutcheon, Managing Director of SSE Thermal, emphasized the urgency: “Delivering a clean power system requires bold action. We know hydrogen-fired power stations will be an essential element of the energy mix in a net zero world, and the turbines developed here will drive that transition.”
Darren Davidson, Vice President of Siemens Energy UK&I, noted the international collaboration: “Our collaboration is a significant step in reaching the point where large gas turbines can run on 100% hydrogen… Hydrogen can play an important role as a low-carbon homegrown source of fuel.”
