US environmental regulators tighten emissions for new gas turbines, including those burning hydrogen

The US environmental regulators are proposing stricter air pollution limits for new, modified, and rebuilt gas turbines. This means these turbines will need better technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, even if they burn hydrogen.

For years, new gas turbines could meet emissions standards with basic controls. This proposal means they will now need more advanced pollution control equipment, which costs more. It also sets a precedent for how hydrogen-burning turbines will be regulated, ensuring they meet the same pollution standards as natural gas ones. This could make hydrogen a less attractive fuel if the cost of controls outweighs its clean-burning benefits.