HyCoFlex at ECOS 2026!

HyCoFlex at ECOS 2026!

This week, Nikos Skordoulias and Sotirios Karellas represented the HyCoFlex project at ECOS 2026 – the 39th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, where they delivered an oral presentation entitled:

“Optimised sizing and operational dispatch of grid connected PEM electrolysers for hydrogen-fired gas turbines using a multi-objective framework: A HyCoFlex case study.”

The presentation showcased a novel multi-objective optimisation framework that simultaneously determines the optimal sizing and operational dispatch of grid-connected PEM electrolysers supplying hydrogen to an advanced hydrogen-fired gas turbine.

Using the HyCoFlex pilot-scale facility as a case study, the research demonstrated how integrated system design and operation can identify cost-effective pathways for renewable hydrogen production. The results highlighted optimal electrolyser capacities for different hydrogen demand scenarios while achieving competitive Levelised Costs of Hydrogen (LCOH) and complying with RFNBO carbon-intensity criteria.

Thank you to the organisers of ECOS 2026 for bringing together researchers and industry experts to exchange ideas on the future of sustainable energy systems. We also thank everyone who attended the presentation and contributed to the engaging discussions.

Learn more about the conference: https://ecos2026.insae.ro/

HyCoFlex Spring School Brings Together Experts and Young Professionals at NTUA

HyCoFlex Spring School Brings Together Experts and Young Professionals at NTUA

On 21 May 2026, the HyCoFlex Spring School on Decarbonisation of Power Plants took place at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), bringing together students, researchers, and industry professionals for a full day of discussions on the future of hydrogen-based power generation.

Organised by the Laboratory of Steam Boilers and Thermal Plants (LSBTP) and the Laboratory of Thermal Processes (LTP) of the School of Mechanical Engineering at NTUA, in collaboration with the HyCoFlex consortium, the event focused on innovative technologies and strategies supporting the transition towards low-carbon energy systems.

The programme covered a wide range of topics, including advanced gas turbine technologies, Power-to-H₂-to-Power systems, green hydrogen production, operational optimisation, and the integration of hydrogen into modern energy infrastructure.

The Spring School also featured presentations from invited industry experts, including Stella Giannissi (Motor Oil Hellas), Grigoris Tsagris (Hellenic Hydrogen), and Agis Digkas (DESFA), who shared valuable insights into the role of hydrogen in the evolving energy landscape and the practical challenges and opportunities linked to decarbonisation.

The HyCoFlex consortium would like to thank all speakers, organisers, and participants for contributing to the success of the event. The strong engagement throughout the day highlighted the growing interest in hydrogen technologies and the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and research organisations in accelerating the energy transition.

HyCoFlex is co-funded by the European Union and supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members

HyCoFlex Consortium Meets in Athens to Advance Preparations for Upcoming Demonstration Activities

HyCoFlex Consortium Meets in Athens to Advance Preparations for Upcoming Demonstration Activities

On 19 May 2026, the HyCoFlex consortium gathered at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) for a General Assembly meeting and technical workshop focused on coordinating the next phase of project activities. The meeting brought together partners from across the consortium to review technical progress, address remaining open points, and align preparations for upcoming testing and demonstration work.

Consortium partners reviewed the latest progress across the project, covering ongoing technical developments, demonstration activities, simulation work, communication actions, and project coordination. The discussions provided an opportunity to assess the current status of activities, exchange feedback between partners, and align priorities for the next phase of implementation.

A major part of the meeting was dedicated to practical preparation work for the upcoming testing phase. Consortium members worked together on topics such as technical site readiness, safety procedures, and finalisation of the testing masterplan. These collaborative sessions helped address remaining open points and supported coordinated planning between the different project partners.

HyCoFlex Spring School on Decarbonisation of Power Plants

HyCoFlex Spring School on Decarbonisation of Power Plants

HyCoFlex - Funded R&D Project
Co-funded by the European Union
Clean Hydrogen Partnership

HyCoFlex Spring School on Decarbonisation of Power Plants
21 May 2026, NTUA

The Laboratory of Steam Boilers and Thermal Plants (LSBTP) and the Laboratory of Thermal Processes (LTP) of the School of Mechanical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), in collaboration with partners of the HyCoFlex funded R&D project, are pleased to announce a Spring School dedicated to the decarbonisation of power plants.

The event will take place on 21 May 2026, from 09:30 to 17:30 (EEST), at the Multimedia Auditorium of the NTUA Library Building on the Zografou Campus.

The Spring School will explore recent developments in the decarbonisation of power generation, with a strong focus on hydrogen-based technologies. Topics will include the advancement and demonstration of industrial-scale Power-to-H₂-to-Power systems capable of operating with hydrogen blends up to 100%, as well as the development of advanced gas turbine technologies designed for operation with hydrogen and natural gas mixtures.

Additional sessions will address green hydrogen production through water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, highlighting its role as a sustainable energy storage solution. The programme will also cover dynamic modelling and optimisation of Power-to-H₂-to-Power units, alongside techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of hydrogen integration in cogeneration systems using advanced gas turbines.

The Spring School is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and professionals at all career stages who are interested in or active in the field of decarbonisation of power generation using green hydrogen. All presentations and discussions will be conducted in English.

Participation is free of charge. Attendance is subject to availability, with a maximum of 80 participants.

Registration is available via the following link: https://lnkd.in/dTicBtVB

HyCoFlex is a research and development project consortium comprising Siemens Energy, ENGIE Solutions France, Laborelec, Centrax Gas Turbines, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the National Technical University of Athens, PNO Innovation, Smurfit Westrock, and Equinor. The project is co-funded by the European Union and supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members (Grant No. 101138002).

Co-funded by the European Union
Clean Hydrogen Partnership

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101138002.

The project is supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members. 

Copyright © HyCoFlex 2026

HyCoFlex Showcases Industrial Hydrogen Cogeneration at Clean Hydrogen JU Event

HyCoFlex Showcases Industrial Hydrogen Cogeneration at Clean Hydrogen JU Event

HyCoFlex was proud to participate in the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (Clean Hydrogen JU) event, Hydrogen for Clean Heat & Power: From Concepts to Real Industrial Use, held in Brussels on 24–25 November 2025. The event brought together leading European projects demonstrating how hydrogen technologies are transitioning from research and development to real industrial applications.

During the dedicated session on hydrogen for clean heat and power, Ertan Yilmaz presented the latest progress of the HyCoFlex project. His presentation highlighted HyCoFlex’s work on developing hydrogen-ready cogeneration solutions for multi-megawatt gas turbines, with the project progressing towards a full 100% hydrogen demonstration at a Smurfit Westrock paper production site. This demonstration represents an important step towards decarbonising energy-intensive industries through flexible and reliable hydrogen-based combined heat and power (CHP) systems.

The session, moderated by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership Project Officer, showcased four flagship projects funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, each addressing different industrial applications for hydrogen technologies. Together, the presentations demonstrated the growing maturity of hydrogen solutions across sectors including industrial manufacturing, aluminium production, data centres, ports, airports, and cogeneration.

HyCoFlex was presented alongside the CLEANER, H2AL, and E2P2 projects, illustrating the breadth of innovation supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and the increasing deployment of hydrogen technologies in operational industrial environments.

The discussions reinforced a clear message: hydrogen for clean heat and power is no longer a future concept but is becoming a practical solution for Europe’s industrial decarbonisation. HyCoFlex is proud to contribute to this transition by advancing flexible, large-scale hydrogen cogeneration technologies that will help accelerate the adoption of renewable hydrogen across European industry.

We thank the Clean Hydrogen Partnership for organising this successful event and all speakers and participants for the valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences.

HyCoFlex Consortium Meets in Roermond to Prepare for 2025 Testing Phase

HyCoFlex Consortium Meets in Roermond to Prepare for 2025 Testing Phase

On 22–23 July 2025, the HyCoFlex consortium gathered in Roermond, the Netherlands, for a General Assembly meeting and technical workshop hosted at the Smurfit Westrock site.

The meeting marked an important step as the project moves closer to its first testing campaign. Partners reviewed the latest progress across all technical areas and focused on aligning the remaining work needed to ensure readiness for upcoming experimental activities.

A central part of the discussions was dedicated to preparing the 2025 testing phase. Consortium members worked in detail on the testing masterplan, safety procedures, and technical readiness of key components. Topics such as hydrogen integration, fuel mixing, electrolyser operation, and combustion systems were discussed in focused sessions, allowing partners to address open points and coordinate their approaches.

The workshop format encouraged practical, hands-on exchanges, supporting efficient decision-making and clear definition of next steps. In parallel, partners also addressed project management and reporting aspects to ensure smooth execution during the upcoming project phase.

The second day included a site visit to Smurfit Westrock, offering participants valuable insight into a relevant industrial environment and fostering exchange on practical applications in similar settings.