Mitsubishi Power, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has commenced development of a 40-megawatt (MW) class gas turbine that is fueled by 100% ammonia (NH3).

The project was started in response to the increasing global focus on decarbonization. As firing of ammonia produces no carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon-free power generation is achieved.

Going forward, after combustion and other testing, Mitsubishi Power is targeting commercialization in or around 2025. When achieved, it will mark the world's first commercialized gas turbine to make exclusive use of ammonia as fuel in a system of this scale, and will aid in the promotion of decarbonization of small to medium-scale power stations for industrial applications, on remote islands, etc.

Mitsubishi Power is working to reduce environmental impact through the development of high-efficiency power generation technologies. Until now, the Company has pursued technological developments enabling a transition from natural gas fuel used in gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) systems, which currently emit the lowest amount of CO2 among thermal power generation systems, to hydrogen, which emits no CO2.

In tandem with pursuing active use of ammonia, the Company has also been developing a system in which the waste heat from a gas turbine reconverts ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen for use in hydrogen gas turbines(Note).

Developing a method for directly combusting ammonia will further expand Mitsubishi Power's lineup of carbon-free power generation systems.

Going forward, Mitsubishi Power will work to advance the energy transition as a member of MHI Group. By prioritizing its resources into expanding its gas turbine power generation and other efficient, environmentally friendly generation technologies, the Company will contribute to the stable supply of power, indispensable to global economic development, and the protection of the environment through the promotion decarbonization.