In this exclusive interview at COP28, Javier Cavada, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Power, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), discusses the Middle East’s potential, future-proofing power systems, hydrogen advancements, and Mitsubishi Power’s role in the global energy transition
by Baset Asaba
December 19, 2023 09:39 AM GST
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Javier Cavada, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Power, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Why is it important, in your view, to implement measures that ensure the resilience and future-proofing of global power systems?
Certainly, the profound impact of power generation on global greenhouse gas emissions is a critical aspect that demands our attention. Currently, more than two-thirds of these emissions, which significantly contribute to climate change, stem from power generation activities dedicated to producing electricity.
It is important to recognise that, as of 2023, heading into 2024, our reliance on electricity is growing, especialy with the electrification of new sectors. This development amplifies the importance of addressing the environmental consequences associated with power generation.
The increase in electricity demand, particularly in highly developed countries doubling their requirements and developing countries experiencing a substantial increase, underscores the urgency in re-evaluating and revolutionising our approaches to electricity production to combat climate change effectively.
The International Energy Agency predicts an increase in demand for electricity in the next ten years. How do you intend to strike a balance between meeting this soaring demand and ensuring sustainability?
Certainly, behind your question lies the main concern, and that is the need to address the rising demand for energy while navigating the necessity to transition away from carbon-intensive practices. The challenge is clear: a substantial surge in demand necessitates a re-evaluation of our energy generation methods.
Rnewables like solar and wind are indispensable, yet their intermittency demands additional stability systems. We must scale up not only renewable energy but also storage solutions to balance the grid during fluctuations.
This involves embracing various technologies—pumped hydro, batteries, and transformative processes like Power-to-X, producing green hydrogen, ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuels. Urgency is paramount, and deploying these technologies at a global scale is crucial for the decarbonisation journey.
In light of evolving demand trends, particularly in the area of conventional power generation, how is Mitsubishi Power strategically positioning itself to adapt and meet the current market dynamics?
I would like to stress that Mitsubishi Power is not just a conventional electricity company; we are a technology group. Over the past nearly six decades, we have been pioneers in hydrogen technologies, primarily serving industries such as refineries, steel, and chemical factores. Although the demand for these technologies was not initially centred around the electricity sector, our expertise positions us as a crucial player in the current energy transition.
Our commitment involves educating authorities, partners, and utilities about the technologies we have developed, aiming to catalyse collaborative efforts to deploy these solutions at scale. Our mission is to contribute significantly to society’s decarbonisation and energy transition goals by accelerating the adoption of renewables.
To achieve this, we see the need to triple the deployment of wind and solar energy by the end of this decade, necessitating advancements in hydrogen, ammonia, and energy storage technologies.
We believe in fostering partnerships across the industry to collectively drive this transformative change and meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions.
In what ways is technology advancing to facilitate the widespread and rapid utilisation of hydrogen at the scale and speed equired for your initiatives?
Hydrogen, a thoroughly tested and proven molecule, is already in use across multiple projects, including power generation with 100% hydrogen or blended with gas. For instance, in a combined cycle gas turbine, a 30% hydrogen blend is equal to removing about 55,000 cars from the road in greenhouse emissions.
Moving to 100% hydrogen exponentially increases this impact, equivalent to eliminating close to 1.5 million diesel cars.
Our role is to showcase the available technology, offer various roadmaps for decarbonisation, and assist companies in planning their energy transition.
Achieving emission reduction goals requires incremental steps, with a roadmap focused on practical achievements by 2030, aligning with the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 40%.
How is Mitsubishi Power navigating the intricacies of the hydrogen supply chain to ensure security of supply as the technology gains prominence?
The commitment to advancing hydrogen tecnologies is irreversible, with ongoing deployments signalling its actualisation. Despite significant progress, the pace and scale must increase. As a major technology player, Mitsubishi Power recognises its key role but stresses the need for collective effort.
Achieving large scale deployments involves collaboration across governments, regulators, citizens, technology companies, offtakers, and investors.
Mitsubishi Power successfully conducted a demonstration at the T-Point 2 Combined Cycle Power Plant Validation Facility in Takasago Hydrogen Park, Japan. The demonstration utilised a 30% hydrogen and natural gas blend in a state-of-the-art J-series Air-Cooled gas turbine. This is the world’s first large-scale power generation test on a gas turbine with a 30% hydrogen blend, connected to the local power grid and using hydrogen produced on-site.
This achievement reinforces our commitment to advancing hydrogen-fired gas turbine technology, a crucial step towards a carbon-neutral future
The successful delivery of essential equipment for the HydaptiveTM integrated hydrogen production plant at the Advanced Clean Energy Storage Hub (ACES Delta Hub) in Delta, UT, is a significant achievement.
This cutting-edge facility will utilise renewable energy for electrolysis, producing green hydrogen and marking a crucial step toward reducing carbon emissions in the U.S. Upon completion, the ACES Delta Hub is set to substantially increase global clean hydrogen production levels.
The hub, a collaborative effort led by Mitsubishi Power Americas and Chevron U.S.A. Inc.’s New Energies Company, aims to be a world-class clean hydrogen facility, initially converting 220 MW of renewable energy into nearly 100 tonnes per day of green hydrogen. The produced hydrogen will be stored in expansive salt caverns with a capacity exceeding 300 gigawatt-hours (GWh), strategically located within the major geologic salt dome formation in the western U.S.
We have also successfully completed the pemanent installation of a large-scale electrolyzer at the company’s state-of-the-art Takasago Hydrogen Park in Japan. The unit now operates at full load and in real-world conditions as the long-term validation begins.
The large-scale 5.5 MW single stack pressurised alkaline electrolyzer is being validated in two stages. First, a single unit was installed and tested at the Herøya Industrial Park in Norway; extensive operational parameters were tested and the short-term validation culminated in a 96-hour baseload run of safe and reliable operation.
From there the technology is now undergoing long-term validation at a permanent installation in the Takasago Hydrogen Park.
Takasago Hydrogen Park is the world’s first centre dedicated to the validation of hydrogen-related technologies. It is designed for the long-term operation of these electrolyzers at one location and under the same conditions as they would operate commercially.
Our focus remains on creating roadmaps, actively partnering and delivering impactful solutions, aligning with COP28’s theme of uniting, acting, and delivering for a sustainable future.
The reality of a gradual transition, particularly in phasing out fossil fuels, is evident. Do you believe your message has resonated effectively with proponents of renewable energy and Net Zero goals?
I am confident that our message advocating sustainability in power generation has resonated, yet it’s clear that we must intensify and amplify our communication efforts. We need to actively engage in the critical discussions and decision-making forums, ensuring our voice is prominent where impactful choices are made.
Our proposition of a 100% renewable future aligns seamlessly with proponents of renewable energy. However, the investment landscape reveals a growing gap between renewable energy growth (10% annually) and essential complementary infrastructure like storage (below 2% growth). It stresses the urgency to bridge this divide by investing in storage soluions, hydrogen, and other renewable infrastructure.
While discussions about achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 persist, our focus remains on actionable targets for 2025 and 2030, holding everyone accountable and propelling us toward a sustainable future.
Considering the future prospects, what level of potential do you envision for this region?
The Middle East, historically the powerhouse of global energy, is set to transition into the Clean Energy hub of the future. With abundant resources, financial capability, and technological strength, the region is well-positioned to lead this transformative journey.
Investing massively in solar and wind energy, along with fostering the growth of the hydrogen ecosystem and carbon value chain, is essential.
As we shift from hydrocarbons to zero-carbon molecules, the region’s commitment to embracing cleaner technologies will play a key role.
Notably, addressing emissions in sectors like steel and cement is crucial, advocating for a responsibl and sustainable use of captured carbon. This forward-looking approach ensures a better society for future generations.
Finally, what key message do you aim for stakeholders to take away from the discussions at COP28?
This should be the COP where actions take precedence over words. We aim to highlight tangible examples and showcase ongoing initiatives. Our objective is to accelerate the implementation of strategies, ensuring that by the upcoming COP sessions in 2025, 2026, and 2027, substantial progress aligns with targeted goals.
Recognising that the decisions made in the next two years will shape the trajectory of our society for the subsequent three decades, we must resist the distractions of momentary disruptions.
To sustain our current quality of life, providing healthcare, education, and a promising future for the next generation, our focus in the next 24 months will decisively determine the course for the next 24 years.
The overarching message from this COP should centre ondemonstrating meaningful actions rather than merely articulating intentions.