NTPC, an Indian energy company, has contracted Japan-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and its subsidiary Mitsubishi Power India to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen co-firing blended with natural gas in MHI 701D gas turbines installed at NTPC Auraiya Gas Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh.

The feasibility study of hydrogen co-firing in gas turbines forms part of NTPC’s COP26 commitments.

Hydrogen co-firing in gas turbines is said to reduce CO2 emissions and accomplish decarbonizing targets.

As part of the contract, both companies will jointly study and identify key actions for introducing hydrogen co-firing at NTPC Auraiya Gas Power Plant to reduce carbon emissions from the gas-based power plant.

The study will also identify key actions for co-firing for various percentages of hydrogen.

Manish Kumar Srivastava — NTPC Executive Director said: “NTPC is committed to play a key role in India’s energy transition journey as the country marches ahead to achieve the net-zero target and climate goals.

“NTPC is pioneering various hydrogen-related initiatives and is carrying out R&D works in this field so as to bring in a technology which can provide green, affordable, reliable and sustainable power for all.

“This MoU is one of the few steps taken by NTPC to meet these targets. We believe that partnering with MHI Limited which has global expertise in this technology will help us meet our objectives under the National Hydrogen Mission.”

The state-run power company will supply the hydrogen required for the project.

Tatsuto Nagayasu — Mitsubishi Power India CMD said: “The momentous event of the signing of the MOU signifies the focus of NTPC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries towards achieving the goal of decarbonization of the power generation sector and their commitment to addressing the pressing issue of climate change.”

The Auraiya Gas Power Plant with four gas turbines operating in combined cycle mode, has an installed capacity of 663MW.

  Auraiya power plant, decarbonization, Hydrogen, India, Manish Kumar Srivastava, Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Power, NTPC, Tatsuto Nagayasu, Uttar Pradesh