Photos: Zero-emission power with HELIOS’s 100% hydrogen gas turbines nears reality

The European HELIOS project, coordinated by Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), aims to advance the development and industrial application of 100% hydrogen-fueled gas turbines as a clean alternative to natural gas. Supported by approximately four million dollars from the European Clean Hydrogen Partnership, the initiative combines fundamental research and practical engineering to create gas turbines that operate safely and efficiently on green hydrogen. TU/e leads modeling and theoretical work, TU Delft manages experimental setups, and industrial partner Thomassen Energy B.V. focuses on designing and constructing turbine components using the FlameSheet combustor platform to retrofit existing turbines. A key technical challenge addressed by HELIOS is managing hydrogen’s high combustion speed, which risks flame flashback and increased nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The project progresses through Technology Readiness Levels, moving from controlled lab combustion rig tests (TRL 4) to high-pressure, full-scale rig validation (TRL 6). Specialized partners such as DLR and CCA provide high-pressure and atmospheric testing facilities,