Mitsubishi Power has announced the successful completion of a groundbreaking project at the Alexandria National Refine & Petrochemicals Company (ANRPC) in Egypt, converting a gas turbine to operate entirely on hydrogen fuel. This pivotal achievement, finalized in late July 2025, marks a significant milestone in the global energy transition, demonstrating a tangible pathway for heavy industries to drastically reduce their carbon footprint by leveraging existing infrastructure for cleaner fuel sources. The conversion positions ANRPC as a regional leader in sustainable refining and underscores the growing viability of hydrogen as a primary energy carrier for industrial applications.
The project involved the modification of an M701F gas turbine, originally designed for natural gas, to accept a 100% hydrogen fuel blend. Mitsubishi Power's proprietary burner technology, developed over years of research and development, was central to this conversion, ensuring stable combustion and optimal performance under hydrogen-only operation. This technical feat required meticulous engineering to manage hydrogen's distinct combustion properties, including its higher flame speed and lower volumetric energy density compared to natural gas. The converted turbine is now capable of generating approximately 200 MW of power, supplying the refinery's substantial energy demands with zero carbon emissions at the point of combustion.
"This project at ANRPC is a testament to our commitment to supporting the decarbonization efforts of critical industries worldwide," stated Ken Kawai, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Power, in a recent press release. "Successfully converting a large-scale gas turbine to 100% hydrogen operation in an active refinery environment sends a clear signal about the maturity and scalability of hydrogen technologies. It provides a blueprint for other industrial complexes looking to achieve deep decarbonization without completely overhauling their energy infrastructure." The initiative is expected to reduce ANRPC's operational carbon emissions by an estimated 500,000 tons annually, contributing significantly to Egypt's national climate goals.
Egypt has been actively pursuing a green hydrogen strategy, aiming to become a regional hub for hydrogen production and export. This project aligns perfectly with the nation's vision, demonstrating the demand-side readiness for large-scale hydrogen adoption. The successful integration of hydrogen at ANRPC could accelerate investments in green hydrogen production facilities within Egypt, potentially leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources for electrolysis. The broader MENA region, rich in hydrocarbon resources, is increasingly exploring hydrogen as a means to diversify its energy mix and meet global decarbonization targets, making this project a crucial case study for future industrial conversions. The economic implications include potential for reduced carbon taxes and enhanced energy security for industrial players who adopt similar strategies.