Algerian gas turbines are awaiting the results of global experiments that will revolutionize the markets. This supports the country’s efforts to decarbonize the energy sector and achieve carbon neutrality goals.
The European Hyflexpower consortium – which includes the French companies Engie, the German Siemens Energy, and the British Centrax – succeeded in testing the first gas turbine powered entirely by hydrogen at a paper factory site near the city of… French Limoges.
According to what the specialized energy platform concluded regarding this experiment, it may open the door for Algerian gas turbines – which are manufactured locally through a partnership between Sonelgaz and General Electric – to switch to hydrogen, with plans to expand its production in Algeria and export it abroad.
Algeria aims to become a regional and international leader in the production and marketing of hydrogen and its renewable and clean derivatives; It aspires to take advantage of its technical capabilities and competitive advantages to produce and export between 30 and 40 terawatt-hours in the form of gaseous and liquid hydrogen and its derivatives, and to supply the European market with about 10% by 2040 at a very competitive selling price. Which brings it about $10 billion annually.
European market
Algerian gas turbines position the European market as one of the most important markets seeking expansion, having succeeded during the previous period in exporting several shipments to it.
According to data seen by the specialized energy platform, during the year 2022, Algeria succeeded in exporting 4 shipments of gas turbines, 3 of which were acquired by Europe.
With Europe planning to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century and move away from fossil fuel sources (coal, oil, and gas) in generating electricity; Keeping pace with developments in gas turbines and converting them to run on hydrogen will be on Algeria’s list of concerns.
The European experiment succeeded in achieving the first global achievement of injecting 100% hydrogen into a gas turbine to produce electricity. In the long term, it aims to convert existing turbine complexes with minor modifications.
The experiment was conducted using a model SGT-400 gas turbine from Siemens Energy, and its combustion system was adapted to use hydrogen, as if the carburetor (a device for mixing air with fuel before pumping the mixture to an internal combustion engine) was replaced in a thermal car engine.
Inside the Algerian gas turbine – photo from Sonelgaz
Gas turbine market
Algerian gas turbines – according to data monitored by the specialized energy platform – have made their way to global markets since 2021, and have succeeded in exporting several shipments to a number of destinations. Among them are European, African and Middle Eastern countries.
The gas turbine market has witnessed rapid growth over the past few years. This technology is relied upon to reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation operations. Which plays an important role in sustainable economic development efforts.
A report recently issued by Technavio, a technical research company, expected the gas turbine market to grow by $3.357 billion during the period from 2022 to 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.05%.
The idea of gas turbines depends on heating a mixture of air and fuel at very high temperatures. What causes the turbine blades to rotate; The rotating turbine drives a generator, which in turn produces electrical current.
Unlike the gas usually used; Hydrogen burns “faster” and has a “hotter” flame, and safety control is more difficult; Therefore, the European experience worked to address the challenges in terms of material resistance and combustion chamber packaging, as well as the necessity of finding “special settings” to control combustion.
Electricity generation solutions
Algerian gas turbines are one of the solutions provided by Sonelgaz in conjunction with the increasing demand for this type of equipment as it is one of the solutions for generating electricity from natural gas, which is considered low-cost compared to other oil derivatives, in addition to being a low-emission fuel, and many countries rely on it in… Playing a vital role in energy transition plans.
Gas turbine exports constitute one of Sonelgaz’s strategic goals aimed at expanding its projects to achieve leadership, as it is one of the most important energy companies in the Arab world and Africa.
The Algerian gas turbine manufacturing process aims to reduce the import bill and achieve export revenues for the country, which is working to develop its capabilities in the fields of oil and gas, in addition to expanding the manufacture of industry equipment.
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2023-10-15 06:38:13
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