Hydrogen will play a major role in developing future fuels and provides a variety of possibilities. Pure hydrogen can be used as a fuel in the future to help mitigate climate change, however, it would require investment in new infrastructure. In addition, hydrogen can also be used as a blend with natural gas or act as a base for producing other renewable synthetic fuels, such as methane or methanol, while utilising existing infrastructure.
Wärtsilä is researching various future fuels in order to provide customers with future-proof solutions to support the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future and helping decarbonise the planet. Wärtsilä engines are already capable of combusting 100% synthetic carbon-neutral methane and methanol. Tests with blends of up to 60% hydrogen and 40% natural gas have also already been made with Wärtsilä engines and the development continues towards the use of a higher share of hydrogen.