THE ENERGY INTERVIEW
Together, these technologies provide a practical pathway towards near-zerocarbon thermal power while continuing to deliver the reliability modern electricity systems require.
Q. MITSUBISHI’ S GAS TURBINES ARE DESCRIBED AS HYDROGEN- READY. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
» Traditionally, gas turbines have generated electricity by burning natural gas. Our latest gas turbines are designed with the engineering capability to operate on increasing blends of hydrogen, providing a practical pathway towards lower-carbon power generation. Our most advanced commercial gas turbine has already been validated in a grid-connected application operating on a 50 % hydrogen blend, and we have successfully demonstrated 100 % hydrogen-fired gas turbine technology, which represents our long-term goal.
This means power producers can progressively reduce carbon emissions by increasing the proportion of hydrogen used as fuel, without replacing existing generating assets. It enables them to reduce the carbon intensity of power generation while continuing to provide the reliable, flexible electricity needed to support modern electricity systems.
Q. HYDROGEN HAS HAD MANY FALSE DAWNS IN THE ENERGY SECTOR OVER THE PAST FEW DECADES. IN YOUR EYES, WILL HYDROGEN HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE FUTURE ENERGY MIX?
» Yes, I believe it will play an essential role. Every major energy transition has depended on long-term policy certainty,
Mitsubishi is one of the world’ s foremost manufacturers of gas turbines
infrastructure investment and clear market signals. There are clear parallels with the development of solar and wind technologies, which 15 to 20 years ago faced steep barriers to entry. Solar, for example, was subsidised from an early stage because of the costs involved in developing and scaling the technology.
Today, however, its use is widespread, and it delivers some of the lowestcost electricity available. If hydrogen deployment is supported by the development of a hydrogen economy, it will scale and, as it does, the cost will come down.
32 October 2026