Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has achieved a global milestone by producing 99% pure hydrogen from ammonia using steam as the heating source—a first at pilot scale. The breakthrough was accomplished at MHI’s pilot plant in the Nagasaki District Research & Innovation Center.

 

Unlike conventional methods that rely on high-temperature combustion, MHI’s steam heating system operates at lower temperatures, cutting operating costs and eliminating the need for a combustion furnace. “Because a combustion furnace is not required, the system offers excellent features such as the potential for miniaturization,” the company noted.

 

Hydrogen, a carbon-free fuel, is increasingly seen as key to achieving a decarbonized society. Ammonia, in particular, is gaining attention as a safe, long-distance hydrogen carrier.

 

MHI plans to leverage this achievement to develop medium-scale, decentralized ammonia cracking systems near hydrogen demand sites. 

 

"Based on the results of this pilot test, MHI, in collaboration with project partners Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. and Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc., will accelerate the development of this technology,” the company said. The project is part of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) initiative, aimed at building a competitive hydrogen supply chain.

 

Through these efforts, MHI aims to “establish and implement decarbonization technologies as soon as possible, and contribute to the realization of a sustainable, carbon-neutral world.”