Hydrogen Engines Tested Under Real Conditions
INNIO Group, along with the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers, completed a groundbreaking demonstration of 3 MW backup power using 100% hydrogen-fuelled gas engines. The event took place on April 23rd in Jenbach, Austria, and Fredericia, Denmark.
Technical experts from Microsoft, Google, and Data4 attended the testing to assess the performance of the hydrogen-fuelled Jenbacher engine under real-world data centre conditions. This milestone marks progress towards sustainable, low-carbon power solutions for data centers.
Dr. Olaf Berlien, President & CEO of INNIO Group, stated, “This validation test demonstrates that INNIO’s technology delivers the transient performance, resilience, and flexibility data centers require, even when operating on 100% hydrogen.”
AI Load Profiles Enhance Testing
The tests subjected the hydrogen-powered engine to various AI load profiles and rapid load fluctuations to mimic real data centre demands. Successful results confirmed that hydrogen engines meet the rigorous requirements for backup and prime power in high-demand data centers.
Alberto Ravagni, CEO of the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers, commented, “This successful test validates not only a scalable clean back-up solution, but also the novel collaborative Hub approach to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions in the data centre industry.”
This demonstration is part of the Hub’s structured effort to explore low-carbon solutions. Following a global Request for Information, hydrogen and clean fuels were chosen to replace traditional diesel generators in data centers.
As AI-driven growth increases energy demands, efficient, low-carbon backup systems become crucial. Industry analysts predict that the use of behind-the-metre and hybrid energy systems in new data centers will rise significantly by 2030.
Future collaboration between INNIO Group and the Net Zero Innovation Hub will focus on scaling hydrogen-powered solutions, addressing key factors like fuel availability, infrastructure, and dual-fuel capabilities.
Technical experts from major technology companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Data4, observed the live testing to ensure the engine’s performance met the operational requirements of data centers. Their presence underscores the collaboration’s importance in pushing for sustainable energy solutions.
The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers involves industry leaders like Schneider Electric and Vertiv, who contribute to defining requirements for new technologies to be deployed at scale. This collaborative approach is essential for the large-scale adoption of hydrogen and clean fuel solutions.
