Mitsubishi, Exxon Collaborate to Develop New Gas Turbine Technology

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation (MCO) and Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) have teamed up with Exxon Mobil to develop new gas turbine technologies.

These entities will collaborate to develop and explore new applications for Mitsubishi’s latest H-100 gas turbines as well as state-of-the-art compressor technologies to reduce LNG unit costs, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries said in a statement released Monday.

“The overriding aims of the collaboration are to reduce the complexity of LNG processing plants, lower their lifecycle costs, and cut plant emissions through enhancements to MHPS’s existing two-shaft gas turbine technology,” the company said.

The H-100 is a high-efficiency, heavy-duty, high-reliability, and low-maintenance gas turbine providing output in the medium range. Benefits of two-shaft gas turbines for LNG mechanical drive are reduced footprint, broad variable-speed operation, and full-pressure start-up.

“ExxonMobil is widely recognized as an industry leader in terms of both project execution and efficiency,” commented MHI President & CEO Shunichi Miyanaga. “Collaboration with ExxonMobil will offer us the benefit of the company’s technical expertise, insights, and experience in LNG projects as we develop the next generation of gas turbines – systems that will be even more efficient and cost-effective and will reduce emissions in LNG applications. We are very pleased that ExxonMobil has qualified MHPS’ H-100 gas turbine technology for use in LNG facilities, and we look forward to continuing this work to further develop technology to reduce LNG costs, maximize plant operating rates, and provide stable operation over the long term.”