Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kyoto University Establish "MHI Innovative Combustion Dynamics Laboratory" through Industry-Academia Collaboration

◆ Launch of joint research on innovative combustion technology targeting GTCC efficiency exceeding 70% ◆ Fostering next-generation hard tech talent through deepened industry-academia collaboration

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Kyoto University, a National University Corporation, will establish a joint research laboratory titled "MHI Innovative Combustion Dynamics Laboratory" effective April 1st. This initiative aims to promote the development of "high-efficiency, carbon-neutral combustion technologies targeting world-class GTCC (Gas Turbine Combined Cycle) efficiency exceeding 70%" and "fostering next-generation talent in the hard tech field.".

Globally, electricity demand is on an increasing trend. Against the backdrop of advancing electrification and the expansion of data centers due to the spread of generative AI, achieving both stable power supply and decarbonization has become a critical common issue for all countries. In this context, gas turbines, with their high efficiency and excellent output adjustment capabilities, are increasingly important as a key power source that can contribute to CO2 emission reductions while complementing renewable energy. Furthermore, in the future, they are expected to become a core technology supporting the realization of a carbon-neutral society through their adaptation to clean decarbonized fuels such as hydrogen.

Combustion technology is one of the fundamental elements responsible for this. Advanced combustion control that simultaneously achieves high efficiency and ultra-low emissions is an area where Japan has cultivated strengths over many years and is a source of international competitiveness. Continuous investment in research and development in this field and the nurturing of next-generation human resources are crucial initiatives directly linked to strengthening the competitiveness and sustainable development of Japan's energy industry.

In this laboratory, to pursue innovative technologies for GTCC efficiency exceeding 70% and realize carbon-neutral combustion technologies, we will install combustion test equipment capable of reproducing actual phenomena. Using advanced measurement techniques and numerical simulations, we will work to elucidate the phenomena and challenge the creation of new concept combustion technologies. Furthermore, for social implementation, we will target a wide range of combustion research, not only GTCC but also rocket engine combustion, supersonic combustion, and reciprocating engine combustion. Through this initiative, we will become an important driving force that simultaneously achieves academic challenges and the creation of social value, while also contributing to the development of next-generation talent in the hard tech field.

Through the above, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will continue to produce world-leading products and promote domain expansion and overall optimization as outlined in "Innovative Total Optimization (ITO).".

Overview of the Joint Research Laboratory

[Laboratory Name]

MHI Innovative Combustion Dynamics Laboratory

[Establishment Period]

April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2031 (5 years)

[Faculty (Full-time)]

Naoto Horibe (Project Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University)

[Faculty (Part-time)]

Ryoichi Kurose (Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University)

[Faculty (Part-time)]

Jun Hayashi (Professor, Department of Energy Conversion Science, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University)

[Activities]

Pursuit of innovative combustion technologies for GTCC efficiency exceeding 70% and realization of carbon-neutral combustion technologies, through the installation of combustion test equipment capable of reproducing actual phenomena, elucidation of phenomena using various measurements and numerical calculations, and development of next-generation human resources.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Website: https://www.mhi.com/jp