Gas turbines by Mitsubishi Power (company website)

Amid the efforts of Saudi Vision 2030 and its focus on sustainable energy and localization, Saudi Arabia represents one of the most important strategic markets for Mitsubishi Power globally and a primary destination for investments. The company collaborates with major institutions including the Ministry of Energy, Aramco, SABIC, Saudi Electricity Company, ACWA Power, and the Saline Water Conversion Corporation, in addition to projects led by the Public Investment Fund.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Adil Al-Juraid, CEO of Mitsubishi Power in Saudi Arabia, stated that the company’s role is not limited to providing highly efficient and reliable energy but also includes knowledge transfer, developing national competencies, and localizing technologies through its centers across the Kingdom, where Saudis constitute more than half of its employees, in line with its commitment to support the ‘Ikhtifa’ program and enhance added value in the local supply sector.

Mitsubishi Power, a brand under Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, specializes in innovative energy solutions and accelerates carbon emission reductions through its technologies and expertise. It is advancing digital transformation by integrating AI and IoT technologies to improve operations.

Strategic Projects

Al-Juraid pointed out that Mitsubishi Power recently secured a strategic contract to supply the Al-Rumah-1 and Al-Nairiyah-1 power plants with hydrogen-ready gas turbines of the JAC class, adding 3.5 MW capacity to the national grid. This step represents one of the largest electricity supply projects in the Kingdom and the region, with turbines assembled locally at the company’s Dammam center, reflecting its contribution to achieving Vision 2030 targets to support national industry.

The company is also involved in the industrial sector through the SATORP project in Jubail, a joint venture between Aramco and TotalEnergies, by providing turbines capable of producing 475 MW of electricity and 452 tons of steam per hour. These turbines can blend hydrogen with natural gas and be upgraded to operate on 100% hydrogen in the future, supporting the Kingdom’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.

Al-Juraid explained that Saudi Arabia is a central focus in Mitsubishi Power’s long-term strategy, with plans to enhance its presence and investments in clean energy and data center infrastructure, alongside expanding advanced solutions including hydrogen-ready gas turbines and carbon capture technologies. He confirmed that the company keeps pace with the Kingdom’s rapid economic growth by supporting key sectors, especially utilities and industry, with solutions balancing increased productivity and ensuring the reliability of national grids.

He added that the company focuses on hydrogen projects, citing the successful experience of blending 50% hydrogen in gas turbines in a joint project with US-based Georgia Power, which contributed to a 22% reduction in emissions.

Regarding partnerships, Al-Juraid explained that Mitsubishi Power builds long-term relationships with local partners to support supply chains, knowledge transfer, and national skill development, in addition to working with energy companies to reduce the costs of transitioning to clean energy. The company also participates in independent energy projects in partnership with both government and private sectors.

Manufacturing Centers

The company strengthens its presence through three service centers in the Kingdom, notably the Dammam center, which has localized assembly of the latest gas turbines, working to increase production capacity and accelerate delivery to meet growing demand, alongside supporting data center projects that require flexible and reliable power solutions.

Al-Juraid also mentioned plans to cooperate with educational institutions and local innovation centers in research and development, benefiting from the expertise of Japan’s Takasago Hydrogen Complex, the world’s first specialized center for hydrogen technology adoption.

Regarding operational performance, Al-Juraid confirmed that the Middle East is one of the company’s most important global markets, with Saudi Arabia and GCC countries holding an international position for energy transition and digital innovation. In 2023, the company achieved the highest global market share in the gas turbine sector, with 36% of the global market and 56% in the advanced turbine category for the second consecutive year.

Al-Juraid concluded by affirming that the company continues to support the Kingdom and the region with advanced solutions to meet the increasing energy demand, especially with the expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence requirements, achieving economic development and sustainable prosperity.