Akimasa Muyama, Board of Director and Senior Executive Vice President of MHPS speaking to The Peninsula. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
DOHA: At a time when Qatar undergoes a transformation in its energy plans, the opening of Qatar country office by Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems’ (MHPS) will help further boost the long-standing energy partnerships between Qatar and Japan.
The global power generation market leader’s decision to reinforce its presence in Qatar assumes greater significance as Qatar is set to increase its LNG production; and also amid Qatar’s expectations to add an estimated 4.2GW power to meet its rising electricity demand, in medium term.
In an exclusive interview to The Peninsula, Akimasa Muyama, Board of Director and Senior Executive Vice President of MHPS said the MHPS can support Qatar to achieve its power generation and LNG production boost targets. MHPS can offer its cutting-edge technology in power generation and its innovative H1-100 Series Gas Turbines.
The H-100 Series gas turbines are the world’s largest-class high efficiency two-shaft gas turbines developed for both utility customers and industrial customers. Its first unit came into commercial operation in 2010.
Recalling Mitsubishi’s long-standing relationship with Qatar, Muyama said Mitsubishi has been in Qatar for the past 40 years. “We installed six gas turbines in Ras Abu Fontas. Since then the gas turbine system has been operating with high-efficiency. Recently, another eight gas turbines were installed at Ras Laffan.” MHPS is closely working with Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC) and is also looking to know more about its needs.”
This is the reason why we opened our Qatar Country Office.” To further strengthen our relations we would like to hear more about our clients’ growing needs.” Muyama said power generation is changing rapidly across the world. The point is that how efficiently power is being generated. Technology is creating revolution in the power generation sector. The business environment is fast changing and the clients environment and demands are also changing rapidly.
There is a revolution happening in providing low carbon energy. MHPS can offer its high-efficient low carbon technology. MHPS’ Advanced Class technology can benefit Qatar’s innovation story in its energy space, he said.
On the growing penetration of renewable into the broader energy space, Muyama said the question is whether renewable can bring in stability in energy management.
On MHPS future partnerships in Qatar, he said Qatar may need some large Capacity Combined Cycle thermal power stations. “We can also think of an energy storage business and converting the over capacity electricity into hydrogen. Hydrogen can be produced at cheaper rate.”
Earlier, attending the opening ceremony of MHPS Qatar Office, Muyama said: “Qatar is going through transformational developments plans, and we are adapting to these changes by diversifying our products and operations to remain an active partner. Sustainable energy, Sustainable talent, Sustainable solutions, these are our priorities across the globe and nowhere more so than here in Qatar.
MHPS has a long, proud history of bringing powerful ideas, and powerful products to the world and we are happy to add a new chapter to that history today in Doha”.
