The Middle East continues to make headlines with its bold push towards a hydrogen economy. Over the past year alone, the region’s hydrogen and ammonia projects have more than doubled, expanding from 37 projects and 4.2 million tonnes of capacity in October 2022 to 83 projects and 9 million tonnes annually. According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, this surge underscores the region’s commitment to leading the green energy revolution.
Despite these advances in hydrogen production, integrating the green fuel into the region’s existing power generation infrastructure remains a significant challenge. While investments are driving the expansion of renewable energy sources, the Middle East remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. In 2022, the GCC’s renewable capacity was 5.7 GW—primarily from solar PV—against a total generating capacity of 165 GW, predominantly gas-fired, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This results in a carbon intensity of 658 gCO2 per kWh, notably higher than the global average of 480 gCO2 per kWh.
Addressing the integration challenge and Mitsubishi Power’s role
These figures present a dual challenge: accelerating the development of new clean energy projects while urgently decarbonising the existing power infrastructure. With the GCC holding over 16% of the world’s gas power generation capacity, the real test lies in effectively integrating hydrogen into its vast network of gas-fired power plants.
The GCC’s average daily natural gas production is approximately 31.6 billion cubic feet (Bcf), with 76% allocated to power generation, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Additionally, 18% of the region’s power is derived from other fossil fuels.
Transitioning to a hydrogen economy demands more than merely producing the green fuel; it requires a comprehensive approach to integrate it into the existing infrastructure while overcoming challenges related to high costs and technological hurdles. By incorporating hydrogen into current gas turbines and power plants, the GCC can significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining the reliability and efficiency of its energy supply.
A successful integration strategy would involve retrofitting existing gas turbines for hydrogen co-firing, enhancing infrastructure for hydrogen transport and storage, and aligning regulatory frameworks to support these changes. The GCC’s extensive oil and gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities, can be adapted for hydrogen, potentially reducing initial costs and logistical challenges associated with new infrastructure.
For example, Mitsubishi Power is advancing hydrogen co-firing technology, but widespread adoption will require a concerted effort and investment across the sector. This transition is crucial for aligning with global decarbonisation goals and addressing the region’s high carbon intensity.
Mitsubishi Power’s market presence and strategic developments
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its role in the GCC’s gas-fired power sector through significant capital infusion and strategic upgrades to its energy infrastructure. Recent contract awards for the Qassim 1 and Taiba 1, and the Qassim 2 and Taiba 2 Independent Power Projects (IPPs) collectively add 3.6 gigawatts (GW) to the national grid. In June, Saudi Arabia further demonstrated its commitment by issuing a request for proposals (RFPs) for transaction advisory services for its upcoming gas-fired IPPs, Al-Rais and Riyadh, with a combined capacity of 6 GW.
Mitsubishi Power, a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for gas power plants, is at the forefront of this expansion, leveraging its technical expertise to enhance efficiency and performance. The company has a long-standing presence in Saudi Arabia through strategic collaborations with entities such as the Ministry of Energy, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Electricity Co., and Saline Water Conversion Corp. Mitsubishi Power has supplied 11 M501F gas turbines to Saudi Aramco, beginning with two units for the 151-MW Berri gas plant in 2004.
Building on this strong foundation, Mitsubishi Power has played a significant role in expanding Saudi Arabia’s power generation capacity with projects like the 2.65 GW Jeddah South thermal power plant. In line with global decarbonisation efforts, the company has introduced hydrogen co-firing capabilities in its heavy-duty turbines, successfully blending 30% hydrogen in a JAC gas turbine at the T-Point 2 Combined Cycle Power Plant Validation Facility in Takasago Hydrogen Park.
Looking forward, Mitsubishi Power is advancing dry low NOx combustion technology for 100% hydrogen firing, with rig tests set to complete by March 2025. This development is pivotal for achieving carbon-neutral gas turbines and reinforcing the company’s leadership in sustainable energy solutions. Although current uncertainties around hydrogen availability persist, hydrogen-capable gas turbines (HGT) are projected to become a significant component of power generation equipment sales in the coming decade. Guidehouse Insights forecasts global HGT capacity will grow from 6,140 MW in 2024 to 16,234 MW by 2033, with revenue from HGT equipment sales increasing from $3.25 billion to $7.14 billion.
National strategies and future prospects
While hydrogen is not yet practical for large-scale utility generation due to limitations in availability and production costs, the global hydrogen economy is making promising strides. Experts explain that significant CO2 reductions require a higher percentage of hydrogen in fuel mixtures. Specifically, to cut CO2 emissions by 50%, approximately 77% hydrogen by volume is needed. Although technically feasible, this is not yet economically viable due to high costs and limited clean hydrogen availability.
Nevertheless, progress is underway. Hydrogen production capacities are rising, and major producers like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are rolling out ambitious hydrogen strategies. Supported by increasing government incentives, carbon taxation, and new legislation, hydrogen fuel is expected to become more economically viable over the next decade.
The UAE has set an ambitious path with its national hydrogen strategy, aiming to become a leading global producer of green hydrogen. By 2031, the UAE plans to produce 1.4 million tonnes annually, scaling up to 15 million tonnes by 2050. This strategy includes developing two hydrogen production hubs by 2031 and three more by 2050, targeting emissions in heavy industry, transport, aviation, and maritime sectors. The UAE also plans to establish a green hydrogen R&D centre and increase renewable energy to 30% of its total energy mix by 2031.
Saudi Arabia, not to be outpaced, launched its National Hydrogen Strategy in 2020 with the goal of becoming a major hydrogen exporter. The Kingdom targets producing 1.2 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, aiming to capture 10% of global demand. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is spearheading this effort, including a $5 billion joint venture with ACWA Power and Air Products to develop a green hydrogen-based ammonia facility in NEOM. This facility, with a 1.2 GW capacity, will produce 650 tonnes of green hydrogen daily.
Kuwait is also making significant strides, having engaged KBR for advisory services on its Renewables and Hydrogen Masterplan Project. The plan targets 17 GW of renewable energy and 25 GW of green hydrogen production by 2050, focusing on integrating renewable sources with green hydrogen for both domestic use and export. The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a transition from oil to gas and deploying new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants, alongside energy efficiency measures.
In addition to green hydrogen, GCC countries are leveraging their natural gas reserves to produce blue hydrogen using carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which reduces CO2 emissions. Integrating blue hydrogen production with existing oil and gas infrastructure aims for a seamless transition to hydrogen while maximizing current assets and expertise.
To support these ambitious goals, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are forging international partnerships to drive technological advancements and expand production capabilities. Their strategies include focused R&D efforts to enhance blue hydrogen processes and maintain their competitive edge, positioning themselves as leading hydrogen producers and exporters on the global stage.
Gas turbine efficiency improvements
Another promising strategy for GCC countries is to collaborate with established OEMs like Mitsubishi Power. These partnerships could focus on advancing R&D in gas turbine technologies, specifically targeting efficiency improvements. By leveraging the expertise of OEMs already integrated into the region’s energy sector, GCC countries can tailor these innovations to their unique energy goals and challenges.
Mitsubishi Power retained its leading position in the global gas turbine market for 2023, holding a 36% share for the second consecutive year, according to McCoy Power Reports. The company also dominates the Advanced Class sector with a 56% share. This success is driven by the high performance and reliability of its products, particularly the JAC turbine, which has surpassed 2.3 million operating hours and exceeds 64% efficiency, making it a top choice for Gas Turbine Combined Cycle power plants.
Mitsubishi Power’s cutting-edge M701JAC gas turbines, known for their 1,650℃ turbine inlet temperature and 64% efficiency—the highest in the industry—are now installed in the GCC. Recently, the company delivered three of these turbines for a 2.4 GW gas-fired power plant in Fujairah, the UAE’s largest combined cycle power plant. Mitsubishi Power has also achieved commercial operation of the 1,026.3 MW Al Layyah gas turbine power plant in the UAE, managed by Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority (SEWA). In Kuwait, Mitsubishi Power secured a long-term contract to upgrade the Sabiya power and water distillation station, the country’s largest provider of power and water, enhancing Kuwait’s energy and water infrastructure.
Mitsubishi Power is reinforcing its GCC presence with major projects, including the expansion of Aluminium Bahrain’s power Station 5 by integrating 680.9 MW of hydrogen-ready gas turbines. This upgrade aims to boost capacity and prepare Alba for future carbon capture. Building on this, GCC countries also have an opportunity to strategically partner with Mitsubishi Power to advance electrolyzer technology for green hydrogen, leveraging their expertise and recent achievements in the field.
Mitsubishi Power’s contract to supply 40 hydrogen electrolyzers for a single facility—potentially doubling global clean hydrogen production—demonstrates its capacity for large-scale innovation and scalability. GCC countries can tap into this high-impact technology, accelerating their green hydrogen production capabilities while benefiting from economies of scale as larger orders reduce costs.
While integrating hydrogen into existing power infrastructure and transitioning from fossil fuels poses significant short- to medium-term challenges, overcoming these obstacles is crucial for long-term sustainability. With targeted investments and strategic partnerships, the GCC can address these challenges, making hydrogen a viable and essential component of a cleaner energy future.
