MHI Subsidiary Operates 100% Hydrogen-Fueled Generator

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger (MHIET) successfully conducted a demonstration test for a 100% hydrogen-fired, 500-kW generator set at its Sagamihara Plant. The results achieved a rated operation of 435kW/1,500min-1, with the 6-cylinder genset demonstrating stable operation in all phases: engine start, power generation at rated output, shutdown, and emergency protective measures.

The generator was engineered and manufactured in-house, in addition to auxiliary equipment with the appropriate safety systems to fire hydrogen. MHIET’s tested the entire system, including the engine, generator, and associated equipment, and used zero-carbon green hydrogen from Yamanashi Prefecture’s power-to-gas system. The Komekurayama Electric Power Storage Technology Research Site uses surplus power from renewable energy and water to produce green hydrogen.

Hydrogen generator set; image credit: MHIET

Additional engine specifications include:

• 170-mm bore
• 220-mm stroke
• 435-kWe generating output
• 1.2-MPa break mean effective pressure
• Open chamber-type lean combustion
• Spark ignition system

What’s Next?

With engineering, manufacture, and demonstration complete, reliability and safety evaluations will be rendered prior to final production. Once MHIET completes safety and reliability testing, the company will accelerate development toward commercialization and aims to achieve decarbonization through hydrogen adoption. The subsidiary’s hydrogen engine development program is one of many MHI Group initiatives intended to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 under “MISSION NET ZERO”.

Reciprocating engines are capable of firing alternative fuels, thus accelerating the energy transition toward a low- or completely decarbonized energy landscape. 100% hydrogen engine generator sets may also decarbonize distributed power systems, as they burn pure hydrogen fuel and emit zero CO₂ during combustion.

More MHI News

In February, Mitsubishi Power successfully delivered its hydrogen-ready M701 JAC gas turbine to Aluminum Bahrain’s (Alba) Power Station 5 Block 4 combined-cycle power plant, completing the project one month ahead of schedule. The company also signed a long-term service agreement to ensure the gas turbine’s availability, reliability, and performance, allowing Alba to leverage uninterrupted power generation for aluminum production and domestic industrial growth.

The high-efficiency, 680.9-MW power plant, developed in partnership between Mitsubishi Power and SEPCOIII, is also equipped with a steam turbine. This power will expand Alba's captive power generation capacity, satisfying:

• Growth objectives
• Sustainability objectives
• Bahrain’s economic development

This M701 JAC gas turbine represents the first deployment of advanced JAC technology in a Middle Eastern aluminum smelter, contributing to Alba's decarbonization goals and ensuring energy security for its operations.

Also in February, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems (MHI Thermal Systems) launched an updated version of its Ene-Conductor Heat Source Control System. The new EC-8 model, arriving in spring 2025, features advanced control capabilities for up to eight centrifugal chillers and peripheral equipment, such as chilled water pumps, cooling water pumps, and cooling towers. Its energy-saving control functions include:

• Controlling the number of centrifugal chillers
• Controlling the variable flow rate of chilled water
• Cooling water

The EC-8 control system automatically selects the air conditioning system’s optimal operating point, cutting power consumption by up to approximately 26% and improving overall energy efficiency. Its repeatable system design and installation workload can be minimized, enabling simple integration at existing and upcoming facilities. According to MHI Thermal Systems, the EC-8 can be installed without modifying the current facility for additional energy savings.