English 
In a significant move forward for clean energy research in Southeast Asia, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in Indonesia are delighted to announce an extension of their collaborative research work in ammonia-based and zero-carbon power generation. This new collaborative agreement was signed in Bandung on January 21st, 2026, and is focused on a strengthened technological understanding related to ammonia fuel application in advanced gas turbines and its efficiency in decarbonized power generation in Indonesia.
This long-term collaboration comes from a variety of joint research studies conducted in the past and symbolizes the increasing global interest in the utilization of ammonia as a fuel; a hydrogen-rich molecule that leaves no trace of carbon dioxide when it is burned.
The Importance of Ammonia in the Transition to a Sustainable Energy Future
“Ammonia (NH₃) is being identified as a very attractive option for a low-carbon power plant, as it can be used as a hydrogen carrier as well as as a zero-carbon fuel source.” In contrast to carbon-based energy resources, when ammonia is burned, it produces no “CO₂,” as there are no carbon atoms; it is also simpler to store than pure hydrogen gas. They attempt to comprehend the reactions or behavior of the ammonia molecule when it acts as a gas in turbines and combustion reactors, which will make it easier for them to produce power on a large scale without releasing “greenhouse gases.”
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Even with all these benefits, however, it should be noted that ammonia combustion properties are different from general fuel combustion properties, hence posing challenges concerning combustion stability, energy density, and emissions of nitrogen oxide. These challenges imply that initiatives like the research between MHI and ITB are relevant.
The MHI ITB partnership: A long-term research trajector
MHI and ITB launched their research collaboration in 2020 with a Memorandum of Understanding regarding next-generation clean energy solutions. Then, the MOU involved the consideration of feasibility studies and research activities to support Indonesia in their effort to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector.
In 2022, this partnership had been extended officially, and a joint R&D project in ammonia-fired power plants using gas turbines had been started.
The ongoing extension was also made known in January 2026 and continues the long-term research stream with a focus on enhancing the knowledge of ammonia combustion characteristics in a high-performance setting. As a result of the new agreement, MHI and ITB researchers will improve the development of modem and testing for facilitating the roadmap for commercial exploitation for the Indonesian power industry.
Industry and Policy Implications
Now, the call to commercialize ammonia-fired power could not be better timed in the global energy sector. Nations working to fulfill their aim of a net-zero emissions economy are in search of a solution to their power needs without harming their energy reliability in the process. For Indonesia, a nation with such a large dependency on coal fuel, an innovative energy solution such as that provided by ammonia may be invaluable.
The Indonesian government commits to achieving net zero emissions by 2060. The collaboration of MHI and ITB represents a research foundation that may shape the regulations, investment, or power utility planning in the future.
The Indonesian government makes a commitment in line with achievements of climate change agreements. The Indonesian commitment is to achieve net zero emissions by 2060. The Indonesian commitment is in line with the
For MHI, enhancing the competencies of zero-carbon technologies fits into the overall strategy of leading in sustainable power systems. With changes in the conventional energy sector, innovative partnerships for research help industries remain competitive while new technologies for clean fuels emerge.
Technology Integration: From Lab to Power Plant
One of the central achievements of the extended partnership is fostering deeper integration between academic research and industrial engineering. ITB’s expertise in combustion chemistry and turbine dynamics complements MHI’s practical experience in gas turbine design and power systems. By merging these strengths, the collaboration enhances innovation in areas such as:
Ammonia combustion optimization for minimizing emissions while maximizing efficiency.
Gas turbine modifications to accommodate alternative fuel blends.
Simulation and modeling tools to predict combustion outcomes in real‑world operating conditions.
These advances could enable future pilot projects and commercial demonstrations — positioning ammonia alongside hydrogen and biofuels as part of the diversified energy portfolios of major utilities.
Market Trends in the Wider Energy Sector
Being a part of a global trend of exploring carbon-free fuel sources, the collaboration between the MHI and ITB is worth mentioning. In Asia and Europe, energy corporations are actively exploring ammonia and hydrogen fuel sources. For example, pilot projects that involve blending green ammonia in coal-fired power stations or upgrading the existing infrastructure for the use of low-carbon fuel sources are also on the cards.
In emerging markets such as Indonesia and others, the meeting of research excellence and an enabling policy environment provides a way to leap to a clean energy system without forgoing economic development. This is an emerging environment that is also attracted to outside investments and expertise that play off research excellence along the lines of the MHI-ITB paradigm.
Conclusion: Driving a Sustainable Power Future
The cooperation between 三菱重工業 そして InstitutTeknologi Bandung is an important step on the way to zero-carbon power technologies’ implementation in real-world scenarios. In fact, through the increase in R&D on ammonia combustion and turbine integration, the project enhances scientific knowledge, thereby leading to faster progress as far as the energy targets of Indonesian as well as AsiaPasifc countries are concerned.
While research progresses from theoretical foundations to pilot projects and large-scale implementations, ammonia may prove to be an integral part of a sustainable energy production system: it may assist economies worldwide to reduce their emissions, and it may help to create a resilient energy future.
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