New consortium led by University of Vaasa to research hydrogen-argon power cycle for net-zero power generation

The hydrogen-argon power cycle could have a significant impact for the energy sector. It enables full valorisation of green hydrogen by burning it, under argon atmosphere, together with oxygen obtained from electrolysis. Using recirculated argon and oxygen instead of air not only raises the efficiency of hydrogen combustion by 10-20 percentage points but allows net-zero emissions. With no exhaust stack necessary, water remains virtually the only combustion product, which can be sustainably re-used as fuel for the concept.  

The project consortium consists of research organisations and industry companies. The three-year iHAPC project (2025-2027) has a total budget of 8,55 million euros. The project is primarily funded by Business Finland, with the remaining funds provided by the companies and research organisations involved. Together with partners, the project will strengthen the global presence of Finnish technologies in the area of sustainable power generation.

­– University of Vaasa plays a crucial role in advancing innovative energy solutions with a strong focus on sustainability. With our expertise in fuel analytics, modelling and simulation, powertrain testing, and control development, we are well-equipped and excited to lead this project, says Professor Maciej Mikulski from the University of Vaasa. Mikulski is leading the Efficient Powertrain Solutions (EPS) and acts as the responsible leader of the iHAPC project.

In addition to the University of Vaasa, the project involves VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and University of Oulu. Industrial partners include Wärtsilä, Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Finland Oy, Vahterus Oy, Vaisala Oyj, and TotalEnergies SE.

– The hydrogen-argon power cycle is ground-breaking research and supports the long-term WISE programme goal of significantly growing revenue from Finnish decarbonisation technology, says Rasmus Teir, Director, Sustainability & Future Plant Concepts at Wärtsilä Energy.

First project to use the joint energy laboratory

The iHAPC consortium partners will all bring their key knowledge areas to the table. The five companies are responsible for developing the enabling technologies for iHAPC. Prototyping and upscaling the tests to medium speed engine size are provided by research organisations involved.

The project will culminate with a demonstration of the H-APC technology confirming its performance and its potential as a viable, scalable solution for a carbon-neutral future. The iHAPC project is the first to use the joint energy laboratory located at the University of Vaasa. The laboratory was established together with Wärtsilä, VTT and University of Oulu to serve as a centre of excellence in combustion technology in the region.

The project is part of the Wide & Intelligent Sustainable Energy (WISE) ecosystem programme led by Wärtsilä and linked to relevant European research networks. This partnership brings us closer to achieving a carbon-neutral future, where renewable energy solutions, innovation and cooperation play an important role.