Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) have entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the integration of hydrogen co-firing technologies into Thailand's gas turbine power generation facilities.
The MoU was signed during the sixth Japan-Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue in Tokyo, Japan on 4 June 2024.
The research helps the conversion of thermal power plants to run on clean fuels, supporting Thailand's ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero emissions by 2065.
The collaboration will commence with a pilot project at one of EGAT’s power plants, with an initial feasibility study expected by March 2025.
MHI, together with its power solutions subsidiary Mitsubishi Power, will support EGAT in reaching a hydrogen co-firing ratio of 20% as per EGAT's request.
MHI energy systems executive vice-president, president and CEO Toshiyuki Hashi stated: “We are excited to explore hydrogen co-firing in gas turbines together with EGAT.
“We are confident that our continued partnership, built on over 50 years of trust, enables us to contribute significantly to Thailand's energy transition by combining the expertise of both organisations.”
EGAT fuel deputy governor Narin Phoawanich stated: “The signing with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries marks one of the pioneering initiatives in Thailand to integrate alternative and clean fuels with Japanese technology to produce more environmentally friendly electricity.
“This initiative aligns with Thailand's strategy to promote the use of hydrogen. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity for technology exchange and the development of hydrogen projects across the value chain with leading Japanese companies at the international level.
“The partnership is expected to drive advancements in clean energy technology, enhance business opportunities in Thailand's electricity production sector, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Thus, it marks a significant milestone in Thailand's energy transition.”
The initiative strengthens the existing partnership between the two entities, which began with a 2022 MoU focusing on clean fuel power generation, hydrogen and CO₂ capture, utilisation and storage technologies.
Previous joint efforts have included preliminary investigations into MHI's hydrogen co-firing technology at EGAT's facilities.
EGAT is also developing a comprehensive strategy for hydrogen supply chain management, which will cover the transportation, storage and distribution of hydrogen within Thailand.
The outcomes of these collaborative efforts will inform an advanced feasibility study.
In March 2024, Mitsubishi and PTT, Thailand's state-owned oil and gas company, launched a pre-feasibility study of the use of 100% ammonia in gas turbine power generation.
