FLEX4H2, the research project coordinated by Ansaldo Energia, received the “Best Success Story” European award at the Hydrogen Research and Innovation Days 2025, as recognized by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and the public.
This recognition highlights the results achieved by FLEX4H2: tests have confirmed that sequential combustion can handle any blend of natural gas and hydrogen, including pure hydrogen, making it a robust solution for the evolving energy landscape. The project’s success is the result of collaboration between industry, research centers, and universities, and marks a concrete step toward industrial hydrogen combustion.
Fuel flexibility is a strategic priority for Ansaldo Energia and a key enabler for the energy transition. The ability to operate turbines with a wide range of fuel blends, including high shares of hydrogen-up to 70% - with the goal of reaching 100% by 2030 - is a key element of the Company’s strategy to decarbonize power generation while ensuring grid stability and reliability.
FLEX4H2 technology is based on Ansaldo Energia’s Constant Pressure Sequential Combustion (CPSC) system. Sequential combustion is a two-stage process in which fuel is burned in two distinct steps, allowing for independent control of each stage. This approach enhances fuel flexibility, improves operational stability, and enables lower emissions, especially when using hydrogen-rich blends.
As Andrea Ciani, Project Coordinator at Ansaldo Energia, stated during the award ceremony: “Hydrogen deployment in gas turbines will be a key enabler for clean electricity production and future grid stability. This achievement reflects the strength of a committed team that brings together scientific, technical, and industrial expertise.”
