Green Methanol Demonstrated as an Alternative Fuel to Decarbonise Gas Turbines

Power generation from gas turbines is responsible for up to 79% of the CO2 emissions generated by the UK Oil and Gas (O&G) industry. Thus, decarbonizing gas turbines is key to reducing emissions in the industry. Siemens Energy, in partnership with The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) and Rolls Wood Group (RWG), successfully demonstrated an SGT-A20 gas turbine running on 100% bio-methanol, reducing the overall CO2 footprint by 60%. The demonstration test was a key milestone in Phase 1 of the Alternative Fuel Gas Turbine project funded by the Scottish government and industry partners. The SGT-A20 bio-methanol test demonstrated the engine operating at various conditions including start-up, shut-down, idle to full power, and transient maneuvers. The engine performed as expected within the standard operating limits. The test also confirmed a reduction in NOx emissions of approximately 80%, a 15% reduction in CO, and elimination of visible smoke in the gas turbine exhaust compared to kerosene fuel.