Mitsubishi Power completes hydrogen fuel conversion at major Egyptian refinery

As the world edges ever closer to completing the transition of the energy sector away from fossil fuels, Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has announced it has completed the hydrogen fuel conversion at a major Egyptian refinery. The MENA region has become a global leader in the renewable energy sector across the world, and Egypt is fostering cooperative projects that increase its standing in the renewable energy ambitions that are ever-present in the global community.

Mitsubishi Power has completed a pioneering hydrogen fuel conversion project that will reshape the energy industry in MENA

In recent years, the MENA region, or Middle East and North Africa, has become the unofficial home of the renewable energy sector. For far too long, the Middle East and North African nations have waited patiently for the world to realize the potential that it has stored away in the region.

In a development that accelerates the implementation of real projects that go beyond initial planning towards actual on-the-ground operations, Mitsubishi Power has announced that it has completed and handed over a major hydrogen fuel conversion project to the Alexandria National Refining and Petrochemicals Company.

The turnkey contract that was signed in 2022 allowed the company the rights to design, engineer, supply, and install solutions, equipment, and control systems to rehabilitate and upgrade a 100-ton-per-hour main boiler at the refinery in Egypt.

The project aimed to alter the fuel being produced on-site from heavy fuel oil and natural gas to a 100% hydrogen fuel. The collaboration between Mitsubishi Power and ANRPC exemplifies Egypt’s plans to become a global leader in the transition of the energy sector, as pointed out by the company’s CEO.

“This project sets a commercial precedent for decarbonising Egypt’s industrial facilities with minimal operational downtime. It clearly demonstrates hydrogen’s transformative role in cutting emissions and advancing sustainable energy solutions.” – Javier Cavada, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Power Europe, Middle East and Africa

Egypt’s relevant stakeholders have praised the completion of the hydrogen fuel conversion at the refinery

Egypt is among the nations in MENA that are aiming to completely evolve their energy sectors to align with global goals set for decarbonization. The hydrogen fuel conversion project also contributed to reducing natural gas consumption by approximately 24,000 tons in Egypt, further strengthening the North African nation’s reputation in the sector.

The completion of the project is in sharp contrast to the events unfolding much further south in Africa, which saw major energy companies pulling out of a huge hydrogen project in Namibia. Regardless, the renewable energy sector’s potential is finally being realized in Egypt thanks to the cooperation between relevant stakeholders.

“Integrating hydrogen into our refining process is a key part of reducing Egypt’s carbon footprint and setting new industrial standards. Our collaboration with Mitsubishi Power exemplifies how international partnerships and cutting-edge technology can drive meaningful progress towards a sustainable energy future.” – Sayed Al-Rawi, Chairman and Managing Director of ANRPC

The project exemplifies the transformative nature of the energy sector in the MENA region

Yes, we have all heard the speeches from world leaders that call for an increase in investments for the renewable energy sector. What’s troubling is that while most countries heed the call, not much is being done to actually implement the change needed in the energy sector globally. Further strengthening the standing of Africa in the global energy transition is Morocco, which has unveiled a 300,000-hectare plan to drive green hydrogen buildout. The evidence coming out of the MENA region suggests that Africa is finally realizing its potential and influence on the global energy stage, and industry insiders could not be happier.