Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger, Ltd. (MHIET), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, in collaboration with Toho Gas Co., Ltd., announced on July 4, 2025, the launch of a new SGP M450 gas cogeneration system designed for hydrogen co-firing. This 450kW system, initially targeting the Japanese market, represents a significant advancement in distributed energy resources, offering a pathway to reduced carbon emissions.

The SGP M450 system is engineered to co-fire hydrogen at a maximum blend ratio of 15 volume percent (vol%), while maintaining its full 450kW power output and operational stability. This capability stems from modifications to the fuel gas and engine control systems of MHIET’s existing GS6R2 city gas mono-firing engine. Extensive demonstration testing, exceeding 500 hours, was conducted at the Toho Gas Technology Research Institute in Tokai, Aichi Prefecture. These rigorous tests confirmed the system's reliability, absence of abnormal combustion, and its ability to operate stably under various simulated demand fluctuations, mirroring the performance of conventional city gas models.

Designed for operational flexibility, the system features two distinct modes: city gas 13A mono-firing and hydrogen co-firing, allowing seamless transitions during loaded operation. For enhanced business continuity planning (BCP), the system initiates operation solely on city gas, ensuring the same initial load acceptance as a city gas mono-firing unit, even during power outages. This feature underscores its reliability for critical infrastructure and industrial applications.

Recognizing the evolving energy landscape, MHIET is also offering a “Hydrogen Ready” package. This option allows customers to initially install the system for city gas mono-firing, with pre-incorporated equipment and functions that facilitate a swift and cost-effective conversion to hydrogen co-firing at a later stage. This strategic offering addresses future hydrogen adoption considerations, providing a pragmatic investment for businesses aiming for long-term decarbonization.

Cogeneration systems are increasingly vital for achieving carbon neutrality due to their high energy efficiency and reduced environmental footprint. Furthermore, their role as resilient power sources capable of responding to large-scale disasters positions them as crucial components in strengthening societal resilience. MHIET affirms its commitment to advancing hydrogen utilization and expanding distributed power generation solutions, thereby contributing to a low-carbon, decarbonized world and enhancing overall societal resilience.