Technology group Wärtsilä has commenced validation of the world’s first large-scale 100% hydrogen engine, marking a significant advancement in the development of technologies that can support the global transition towards cleaner and more flexible energy systems.
The demonstration, being conducted in Bermeo, northern Spain, will validate the performance of the Wärtsilä 31H2 engine, the world’s largest pure hydrogen engine, designed to operate entirely on hydrogen. The milestone builds on Wärtsilä’s earlier development of the world’s first large-scale 100% hydrogen-ready engine power plant and represents a major step towards enabling future renewable-based power systems.
The development holds particular significance for India as the country accelerates its clean energy transition through ambitious renewable energy targets and the National Green Hydrogen Mission. With India aiming to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030, flexible and reliable power generation technologies will play a critical role in integrating increasing levels of renewable energy into the national grid.
Hydrogen-capable engine technology can provide the dispatchable power required to balance variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, helping strengthen grid stability while supporting the expansion of clean energy infrastructure.The Wärtsilä 31H2 engine is based on the company’s Wärtsilä 31 platform, recognised as one of the world’s most efficient multi-fuel four-stroke engine platforms. The technology demonstrates the potential for hydrogen to transition from a future energy concept into practical, large-scale power generation applications.
Wärtsilä’s hydrogen journey builds on existing capabilities, with its engines already capable of operating on natural gas blended with up to 25% hydrogen by volume. This capability has been demonstrated through previous projects, including a 2022 collaboration with WEC Energy Group, where an unmodified Wärtsilä 50SG engine successfully operated on a 25% hydrogen blend at the 55 MW A.J. Mihm power plant in Michigan, USA.
Commenting on the development, R Venkatesh, Managing Director, Wärtsilä India, said, “India is entering a defining phase of its energy transition. As renewable energy capacity expands and the National Green Hydrogen Mission progresses, technologies that enhance grid reliability while enabling cleaner power generation will become increasingly important. Wärtsilä’s 100% hydrogen engine demonstration reinforces our commitment to supporting India’s journey towards a resilient, low-carbon and future-ready energy ecosystem.”
The Wärtsilä 31-based power plant is designed to support energy-intensive sectors including data centres, manufacturing facilities and industrial operations that require reliable, flexible and sustainable electricity solutions. With rapid growth in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence-driven data centres and advanced manufacturing in India, demand for dependable low-carbon power solutions is expected to increase.
While the current validation is taking place in Spain, the insights gained from the project will contribute to Wärtsilä’s global hydrogen technology roadmap, including future applications in markets such as India, where renewable energy growth and green hydrogen investments are creating opportunities for next-generation clean power solutions.
Wärtsilä Energy is driving the global transition towards a fully renewable energy future. We support customers and the wider power sector in accelerating their decarbonisation efforts through our advanced technologies, deep power system expertise, and innovative solutions.
Our portfolio includes flexible engine power plants, energy storage systems, optimisation technologies, and comprehensive lifecycle services that maximise the performance and reliability of energy assets. Designed for the future, our engines are capable of operating on sustainable fuels, enabling a cleaner and more resilient energy landscape.
With a proven track record spanning 81 GW of power plant capacity and more than 130 energy storage installations across 180 countries, Wärtsilä Energy delivers trusted solutions worldwide. Approximately 35% of our operational installed base is supported through long-term service agreements, ensuring continued efficiency and value for our customers.
Wärtsilä Energy is driving the global transition towards a fully renewable energy future. We support customers and the wider power sector in accelerating their decarbonisation efforts through our advanced technologies, deep power system expertise, and innovative solutions.
Our portfolio includes flexible engine power plants, energy storage systems, optimisation technologies, and comprehensive lifecycle services that maximise the performance and reliability of energy assets. Designed for the future, our engines are capable of operating on sustainable fuels, enabling a cleaner and more resilient energy landscape.
With a proven track record spanning 81 GW of power plant capacity and more than 130 energy storage installations across 180 countries, Wärtsilä Energy delivers trusted solutions worldwide. Approximately 35% of our operational installed base is supported through long-term service agreements, ensuring continued efficiency and value for our customers.
Wärtsilä is a global technology leader providing innovative solutions and lifecycle services for the marine and energy industries. We are committed to advancing sustainable technologies and services that help our customers improve both environmental performance and operational efficiency.
Our global team of 17,900 dedicated professionals across 199 locations in 78 countries is helping shape the decarbonisation of industries worldwide. Through innovation, expertise, and collaboration, we are enabling a cleaner, more sustainable future. In 2025, Wärtsilä reported net sales of EUR 6.9 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
