MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
As the global shift towards renewable energy accelerates, the UAE is emerging as a key player in the hydrogen economy, said Elie Rizk, Vice President of Key Accounts at Mitsubishi Power for the MENA region in an exclusive interview with Aletihad on the sidelines of the World Utilities Congress 2024.
Rizk shared insights on the unique advantages and collaborative efforts driving the UAE’s low-carbon hydrogen ambitions, in addition to highlighting the cutting-edge technologies pioneered by Mitsubishi Power to accelerate the region’s journey towards a sustainable future.
With a comprehensive hydrogen strategy in place, the Emirates is a frontrunner in sustainable energy initiatives, Rizk said. “The UAE has all the capabilities to lead in green hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies.”
Technological Innovation
Delving into the role of technology in advancing hydrogen as a key energy source, Rizk highlighted Mitsubishi Power’s commitment to innovation. The company has long been recognised for its technological research and development and is now pioneering renewable energy solutions.
Mitsubishi Power is working closely with utilities and major developers across the MENA region to further its transition from fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy, according to Rizk.
The company is deploying advanced gas turbines, boasting a world-leading combined cycle efficiency rate exceeding 64%. He noted that this technology not only minimises carbon emissions but also lowers the overall carbon footprint.
Moreover, Mitsubishi Power’s hydrogen-ready turbines can burn up to 30% hydrogen, and if the hydrogen is sourced from renewables, it qualifies as green hydrogen. “By using 70% natural gas and 30% green hydrogen, we are significantly reducing carbon emissions,” Rizk explained.
Mitsubishi Power aims to achieve 100% hydrogen generation within the next decade. Rizk pointed to the ACES Delta Hub project in Utah, US, as a key initiative. The project will initially utilise a mix of 30% hydrogen, gradually transitioning to 100% green hydrogen by 2045.
Major Projects in the MENA Region
Rizk highlighted Mitsubishi Power’s significant projects in the UAE, including the Fujairah F3 Plant, which is poised to be one of the biggest and most efficient projects in the country.
Developed under the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and Mubadala Investment Company, the plant utilises three of Mitsubishi Power’s M701 JAC gas turbine generators, which are capable of burning 30% hydrogen from day one.
In cooperation with the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), Mitsubishi Power had also extended the Al Layyah Combined-Cycle Power Plant in Sharjah, which operates M701F gas turbines, ensuring uninterrupted power supply in Sharjah.
Recently, Mitsubishi Power received an order from Samsung C&T Corporation for an M501JAC combined-cycle hydrogen-ready gas turbine for a cogeneration plant in Saudi Arabia, developed by a consortium led by TAQA and JERA Co., Inc.
This 475 MW facility will supply electricity and steam to a petrochemical complex in Jubail, utilising Mitsubishi Power’s JAC gas turbine that blends hydrogen with natural gas, ensuring a stable low-carbon power supply.
Addressing Intermittency
Rizk further elaborated on how Mitsubishi Power’s gas turbines are addressing the intermittency challenges of renewable energy sources. “Transitioning fully to renewables requires a mix of power sources. Gas will serve as a bridge alongside hydrogen, and hydrogen - powered gas turbines which burn 30% today and will be able to burn up to 100% hydrogen in the near future will play a key role to ensure uninterrupted clean power.”
In the ACES Delta project, a world first, which features Mitsubishi Power gas turbines, green hydrogen will be stored in underground salt caverns, serving as a backup power source when renewable generation is insufficient. “When renewable energy is low, we can burn the stored green hydrogen in gas turbines to generate electricity,” he said.
There remain other challenges that may hinder the fulfillment of hydrogen’s full potential, such as its production costs, which are significantly higher than the price of natural gas, according to Rizk.
Government Support
Rizk underscored the integral role of governments in advancing the transition to renewables and reducing carbon emissions.
Policies such as implementing carbon credits or imposing high tariffs on fossil fuels can make a significant difference, he noted. Governments can also promote local manufacturing of electrolysers to accelerate the adoption of technology, according to Rizk.
He expressed confidence in the UAE’s policies, noting its position as a leader in sustainable clean energy initiatives, evidenced in the landmark outcomes of COP28.
“With a target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, the UAE has positioned itself as a regional leader, with major companies like TAQA, ADNOC, and EWEC driving forward hydrogen and carbon capture projects.”