Asia's Dual Challenge: Balancing Electricity Demand with Decarbonisation Goals

As Asia faces increasing pressure to decarbonise while meeting growing electricity demand, countries in the region are taking unique paths toward achieving these goals. Thailand, for instance, is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065, while also experiencing economic growth and industrial expansion that increases energy consumption. Mitsubishi Power is at the forefront of this challenge, spotlighting gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) technology as a vital solution to meet energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.

Key Takeaways:

• Mitsubishi Power is highlighting GTCC technology as a solution to meet energy needs while reducing carbon emissions, with GTCC systems capable of reducing emissions by up to 65% compared to conventional coal-fired power plants.
• The company has delivered ten M701JAC gas turbines to three GTCC power plants in Thailand, with a total combined capacity of 6,700MW, and has logged over 120,000 hours of operation across all units.
• Mitsubishi Power is advancing the use of hydrogen as a viable path toward cleaner power, with hydrogen co-firing capabilities built into its latest gas turbine designs, supporting the mixing of 30% hydrogen, which can increase to 100% gradually.
• The company is also exploring ammonia co-firing as a decarbonisation tool for existing coal power plants and small gas turbines, with ammonia combustion not producing carbon dioxide.
• Mitsubishi Power expects GTCC deployment to expand rapidly in Southeast Asia in line with countries' power development plans and decarbonisation goals.
• The company is working with countries including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore to understand their electricity needs and develop effective solutions.

Statistics:

• 65% reduction in carbon emissions achievable through GTCC technology compared to conventional coal-fired power plants.
• 120,000 hours of operation logged across ten M701JAC gas turbines delivered to three power plants in Thailand.
• 30% hydrogen blending capability supported by Mitsubishi Power's latest gas turbine designs, with gradual increase to 100% hydrogen possible.
• 22% emissions reduction achieved through 50% hydrogen mix in a test conducted with Georgia Power at the McDonough-Atkinson Plant in Georgia, USA.

Sources:

• Akihiro Ondo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific.
• Mitsubishi Power press release, unspecified date.
• Interview with Akihiro Ondo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific.
• Georgia Power and Mitsubishi Power press release, "World's largest hydrogen blending validation completed on an advanced-class turbine", June 2023.
• Mitsubishi Power case study, "Intermountain Power Project (IPP)".
• Mitsubishi Power press release, "Takasago Hydrogen Park in Japan".