The energy sector is facing the dual challenge of providing the world with a consistent and affordable supply of energy while moving toward a zero-carbon economy. This has spurred the transition of power generation from coal and crude oil, to a combination of highly reliable and efficient natural gas turbines and renewable energy sources. Anticipating these changes to the market, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS), a global leader in the field of power generation systems, has been strengthening its technical capabilities for over a decade to spearhead a “Change in Power”. Historically, MHPS focused on providing centralized power generation technologies as an original equipment manufacturer, but the company has evolved to incorporate cutting-edge centralized and distributed power generation technology to promote carbon reduction in its portfolio of products and services.

As part of the “Change in Power” strategy, MHPS recently launched a clean technology startup called Oriden, which is dedicated to providing customized renewable power solutions based upon end-user needs. This includes development, construction, financing/ownership, and asset management of renewable energy generation and storage systems. “Oriden is a step toward our vision of a wider range of power and energy solutions needed to bring a Change in Power,” says Paul Browning, President and CEO of MHPS Americas.

That being said, Browning also points out the new challenges that surface when renewable energy solutions are adopted. At times renewable sources generate electricity at a rate higher than customer demand, while on other occasions, energy production is unable to keep pace with demand.

This is because renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are dependent on environmental factors that are beyond human control. To address this challenge, MHPS has announced the Advanced Clean Energy Storage (ACES) project in central Utah. Browning describes this as a “first of its kind” initiative that is set to store excess renewable electricity using hydrogen.
“This centralized energy storage project will store many gigawatt hours of clean energy for durations ranging from seconds to seasons, and transform the energy market in the Western United States by complimenting shorter term, distributed battery storage capacity,” says Browning.

An additional facet of MHPS’ “Change in Power” strategy towards de-carbonization, is through improving the performance, reliability, and efficiency of its existing energy products. The company’s latest gas turbines are designed to provide lower emissions and higher energy efficiency. Based on MHPS’ world-leading efficiency for Advanced Class Gas Turbines, an Entergy Corporation subsidiary selected MHPS’ turbine units to power its 993 megawatt Montgomery County Power Station near Willis, Texas. When the power plant becomes operational in 2021, it will not only provide the needed energy for Southeast Texas, but also complement the ongoing effort to reduce emissions.

MHPS has also developed gas turbine technology that enables a mixture of renewable hydrogen and natural gas to produce power while further reducing CO2 emissions. MHPS’ ultimate goal is to utilize 100 percent renewable hydrogen as a fuel source and in the process, lower the carbon footprint to zero.

Driven by these initiatives, Browning is witnessing a shift toward de-carbonization, digital technology development, and an upheaval in the energy sector that MHPS has long been expecting and preparing for. And amidst the dynamically changing environment surrounding the market and customer needs, Browning believes that his company, MHPS, is poised to help their customers achieve a zero-carbon future and bring a Change in Power.