HyCoFlex marks successful start of hydrogen testing in demonstration campaign

HyCoFlex marks successful start of hydrogen testing in demonstration campaign

We are excited to announce the successful completion of the first hydrogen (H₂) test as part of the 2026 demonstration campaign of the HyCoFlex project at the ENGIE Energie Services cogeneration plant in Saillat-sur-Vienne, France.

As the demonstration campaign progresses, the project team will validate hydrogen operation in a Siemens Energy SGT-400 gas turbine-based cogeneration system, assessing performance, operational flexibility, and low-NOx emissions under real industrial conditions. The objective is to demonstrate a practical pathway for retrofitting existing cogeneration assets to operate with increasing levels of hydrogen, ultimately up to 100% H₂ while maintaining performance and reliability.

These first H₂ tests are the culmination of years of innovation, engineering excellence, and strong collaboration among the HyCoFlex project partners. The knowledge, operational experience, and performance data, gained throughout the campaign will help validate hydrogen as a viable fuel for industrial cogeneration and advance practical pathways toward the decarbonization of industrial energy systems.

HyCoFlex reaches major testing milestones: First fire and full-load operation

HyCoFlex reaches major testing milestones: First fire and full-load operation

The HyCoFlex testing campaign has officially begun with the successful completion of the First Fire of the gas turbine at the ENGIE test site in Saillat-sur-Vienne, France.

Shortly thereafter, the turbine successfully achieved full-load operation on natural gas, marking another important step in the commissioning and testing programme.

Together, these achievements confirm the successful integration of the HyCoFlex retrofit package and demonstrate the readiness of the system for the next phases of testing.

Over the coming weeks, the consortium will carry out an extensive test campaign to validate system performance and progressively prepare the turbine for hydrogen operation.

The results will provide valuable insights into the integration of hydrogen technologies within industrial cogeneration systems, helping accelerate the transition toward more flexible, resilient, and lower-carbon energy solutions.

This achievement is the result of the dedication, expertise, and close collaboration of the entire HyCoFlex consortium. A heartfelt thank you to all partners, site teams, and experts whose commitment and hard work have made this milestone possible.

We look forward to sharing further updates as the testing campaign progresses and we move another step closer to demonstrating hydrogen-enabled industrial energy systems.

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. 

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