Georgia Power and Mitsubishi Power Achieve Landmark 50% Hydrogen Fuel Blending on M501GAC Turbine

Strategic Insights -

Georgia Power and Mitsubishi Power have successfully completed a trial blending hydrogen and natural gas fuels at an M501GAC natural gas turbine at Plant McDonough-Atkinson, achieving a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to 100% natural gas. This demonstration project is the first to validate 50% hydrogen fuel blending on an advanced class gas turbine and the largest test of its kind to date. The plant, located in Smyrna, Georgia, has served electric customers for over 80 years and was fully converted to natural gas in 2012.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project achieved a 50% hydrogen fuel blending on an M501GAC gas turbine, resulting in a 22% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to 100% natural gas.
  • The test was conducted over several weeks in May and June 2025, with multiple blend percentages ranging from 5% to 50% tested prior to the 50% blend demonstration.
  • The gas turbine was converted from steam-cooled to air-cooled in 2024, providing benefits of faster startup times, increased turn down capability, and decreased maintenance expenses.
  • Georgia Power has reduced its carbon emissions by over 60% since 2007 and continues to work with the Georgia Public Service Commission to ensure it can reliably and economically meet the energy needs of a growing Georgia through the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process.
  • The company is developing three new Mitsubishi Power simple cycle combustion turbine resources at Plant Yates, capable of utilizing hydrogen, as approved by the Georgia PSC in the 2023 IRP Update.
  • Georgia Power has proposed upgrades to ten natural gas turbines at Plant McIntosh in the 2025 IRP, adding an additional 268 megawatts of capacity to help meet projected energy demands.

Statistics:

  • The 50% hydrogen fuel blend provided an approximate 22% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to 100% natural gas.
  • The gas turbine produced an approximate 283 MW output.
  • Georgia Power has reduced its carbon emissions by over 60% since 2007.
  • The company continues to work with the Georgia Public Service Commission to ensure it can reliably and economically meet the energy needs of a growing Georgia.
  • The 2025 IRP proposes upgrades to ten natural gas turbines at Plant McIntosh, adding an additional 268 megawatts of capacity.

Sources:

  • Georgia Power
  • Mitsubishi Power
  • NewsRx LLC ( VerticalNews ) June 30, 2025.