Orlen has launched the Multifuel technology, marking a milestone in energy production as the first system capable of generating heat and electricity from hydrogen, natural gas, or a mixture of both. The company announced the successful testing of a 1 MW prototype in November 2023, which demonstrated the technology’s viability. Multifuel is a collaborative effort with Horus Energia, a company based in Sulejówek, Poland. The two partners have applied for patent protection for their invention in Poland and at the European Patent Office.
Multifuel operates as a specialized attachment for high-capacity gas engines, ranging from 300 kW to 2 MW. It can be integrated into both new and existing engine units, increasing electricity production by approximately 5%. The system allows for the delivery of hydrogen, natural gas, or their mixture to the engine through two independent systems that are integrated with a control and monitoring system. This setup enables operators to adjust the mixture ratios in real-time, providing unmatched flexibility.
Initial tests showed promising results, with the ability to automatically regulate fuel doses without reducing engine power. Adjustments to the fuel parameters can be made within a single engine cycle. During the technology’s trial phase, over half a ton of hydrogen was used in various mixtures with natural gas.
As the project transitions to commercialization, Horus Energia has begun offering products equipped with the Multifuel system. Expectations surrounding this innovation are high, as it has potential applications across various industries and energy sectors. Multifuel facilitates a gradual shift towards alternative gas sources, such as hydrogen, offering a business opportunity while contributing to emission reductions across multiple economic sectors.
