MHI and Institut Teknologi Bandung extend research partnership on ammonia-based power generation

Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Indonesia’s Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) have signed a new research agreement to deepen their collaboration on ammonia-based clean power generation, expanding joint work that began in 2020.

The extended agreement builds on earlier research phases and continues joint studies into ammonia combustion, with a specific focus on its safe and effective application in gas turbine systems. The research aims to strengthen technical understanding of ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel and support Indonesia’s longer-term decarbonisation objectives in the power sector.

Focus on ammonia-fired gas turbines

Under the renewed collaboration, MHI, together with its power solutions brand Mitsubishi Power, and ITB will continue to examine combustion characteristics, safety considerations and system integration challenges associated with using ammonia in gas turbines. The work is intended to support the practical deployment of ammonia-based power generation using proven turbine technologies.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Bandung, Satoshi Hada, Senior Vice President of the GTCC Business Division at MHI, said:
“Research and development are central to MHI and to our power solutions brand, Mitsubishi Power, as we work to advance cleaner power technologies. We are pleased to continue the momentum of our long-standing collaboration with ITB. Ammonia is increasingly recognized as a promising carbon-free fuel, but realizing its potential requires a deep and careful understanding of its unique properties. By building on the progress achieved together, we look forward to strengthening the technical foundations that can support cleaner and more sustainable power generation in Indonesia.”

Ari Darmawan Pasek, Professor at ITB, said:
“The transition to cleaner energy is essential in addressing climate change. Our collaboration with MHI reflects the importance of combining academic research with industrial expertise to advance cleaner fuel technologies. We are confident that this continued partnership will contribute valuable insights to support the future role of ammonia in power generation and Indonesia’s decarbonization journey.”

Long-standing collaboration

MHI and ITB first signed a memorandum of understanding in 2020 to collaborate on next-generation clean energy research and the analysis of power plant operational data. The partnership was extended in 2022 and has since progressed through multiple research initiatives focused on ammonia-fired power generation. The latest agreement continues this work, building incrementally on previous research outcomes.

Alignment with Indonesia’s energy transition

The collaboration aligns with Indonesia’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, with ammonia being explored as a potential pathway to reduce emissions from thermal power generation. MHI said the continued research reflects its intention to contribute to Indonesia’s scientific and technological capabilities in the energy sector while supporting the development of lower-carbon power generation options.