Microturbine for Hydrogen Project

Capstone Green Energy has received an order for a microturbine intended to run on hydrogen. Secured by Capstone partner Optimal Group, the order for Blue Economy CRC is part of an offshore DC-power based microgrid that will support offshore research and aquaculture for food production. Blue Economy is a cooperative research center in partnership with national and international universities and industry that was established to bring together sustainable seafood production and renewable energy to further develop Australia's aquaculture industry.

The microgrid will manage the energy generated from readily available offshore, renewable resources, including solar, wind, and waves, and use it to produce hydrogen via a 700 kW electrolyzer. The hydrogen produced by the ITM Power electrolyzer will be connected to the microturbine, which will provide power on demand. Beyond offering the potential for 100% hydrogen-fuel-based power generation, the microturbine was an ideal fit due to its ability to operate at partial loads while matching its output to the demands of the rest of the microgrid system.

The initial stage of the project aims to provide proof of concept for a DC microgrid combined with multiple renewable sources. Subsequently, a full marinization and commercialization of the system will be completed to support remote, offshore operation.