Low-level hydrogen co-firing in turkish thermal power plants: thermodynamic, environmental, and economic impacts

This study evaluates low-level hydrogen co-firing (1%, 3%, 5% and 10% by mass) in Turkey’s natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) and lignite-fired power plants to support the European Green Deal and Turkey’s 2053 net-zero target. It is the first to assess hydrogen blending in both NGCC and lignite systems under Turkey’s energy policy framework. Utilizing thermodynamic models in Engineering Equation Solver (EES) for Brayton–Rankine (NGCC) and Rankine (lignite) cycles, with ~ 1650 °C turbine inlet temperatures and constant thermal input, we analyze energy, exergy, emissions (CO₂, NOx, SOx, PM, CO), and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Green hydrogen (10 kg CO₂/kg H₂ upstream emissions) ensures zero direct CO₂ emissions. At 5% hydrogen, CO₂ emissions drop by 13.6% (NGCC) and 32.5% (lignite), with lignite demonstrating ~ 32% reductions in SOx and PM and ~ 10% in CO. NGCC exergy efficiency rises by 1.55 points, and lignite boiler exergy destruction falls by 20%, despite minor energy efficiency losses. NOx increases by ~ 6 ppm per 1% hydrogen, requiring mitigation. NGCC LCOE decreases by 4.3% at 5% blending ($2/kg H₂), while lignite LCOE rises by 15.4% but becomes competitive at ~$50/t CO₂. Challenges include hydrogen production and infrastructure. Policy recommendations include subsidies, safety standards, and supply chain investments to ensure viability and air quality compliance.