Bergen runs engine test on H2 blend for zero carbon emission

Norwegian firm Bergen Engines has launched a comprehensive test program towards zero carbon emission engines, allowing a gradual transition from LNG to 100 per cent green hydrogen fuel.

The company has successfully completed the first tests on a B-Series Bergen engine; running on a blend of 15 per cent hydrogen and 85 per cent LNG. It has done so without any hardware adjustments.

The engines are a part of the solution to reach zero carbon emission targets.

Bergen confirmed that it maintained the power output according to specification at all load levels; while reducing carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions. It also proved the lower unburned hydrocarbon levels and methane slip.

Jon Erik Røv from Bergen said: “This is a great first step in the decarbonization of our customer’s operations and a testament of the high fuel acceptance capability of our Bergen engines.”

Hydrogen is the best energy carrier for renewable fuel production for land power generation, short sea, and inland navigation. A blend of hydrogen and natural gas as fuel is the first step towards zero carbon emission.

Bergen Engines wants to have a commercial solution that will accept H2 content of up to 60 per cent; solutions that can be further developed to accept 100 per cent for the upcoming engines.

The goal is for its current gas engine fleet to take low levels of hydrogen without any hardware changes.

Bergen wants its engines to be ready and mature with higher levels of H2 when there is viable access to green H2. The company may conduct an applicable engine upgrade. This would be a part of the main service revision that includes piston replacement so that a portion of the expense can be offset into the normal service cost.