Mitsubishi Heavy develops CO2-free hydrogen production from natural gas

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has developed a novel system designed to produce hydrogen from natural gas while preventing carbon dioxide emissions. This innovative technology captures carbon in a solid form, making it available for storage or other applications. The company plans to integrate this system with its existing gas turbine offerings and market it to power utilities and other industrial clients.

As part of its validation process, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will conduct co-firing tests of natural gas and hydrogen at its Takasago works. This initiative aligns with broader industry trends toward decarbonization, with many industrial captive thermal power facility owners considering hydrogen as a clean fuel option to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Mitsubishi Power's gas turbines, including the H-25 model, have a long track record of operating with hydrogen-rich fuels, accumulating millions of operating hours. The H-25's diffusion combustor is capable of handling a wide range of co-firing ratios, from zero to 100% hydrogen.

The company is converting its demonstration facilities, known as T-Point 2 at the Takasago Machinery Works, into the Takasago Hydrogen Park. This facility will enable rigorous validation of hydrogen combustion in a grid-connected environment before product introduction, allowing for early identification and resolution of potential issues. Mitsubishi Power emphasizes reliability and minimal system modifications for conversion to hydrogen fuel, drawing on decades of experience with hydrogen-rich gas power generation.