Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger, Ltd. (MHIET), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, is set to introduce the SGP M2000, a new natural gas engine cogeneration system with a generation output of 2,000 kW. This innovative system incorporates a 16-cylinder natural gas-fired engine called the G16NB, which achieves an impressive electrical efficiency of 44.3%, the highest level worldwide for a 2,000 kW-class engine in a cogeneration system. The SGP M2000 will be available in the Japanese market starting April 1, 2023.

Compared to MHIET’s existing 1,000 kW gas engine cogeneration system, the SGP M2000 offers a 1.8 percentage point increase in electrical efficiency, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions during power generation. Additionally, it boasts a compact design. Through extensive efforts to enhance engine output, the SGP M2000 delivers double the output of MHIET’s existing cogeneration system with the same engine displacement, leading to a 40% reduction in footprint. This compactness enables the installation of the SGP M2000 in limited spaces, including urban buildings where large facilities traditionally faced installation challenges.

The SGP M2000 has already accumulated over 50,000 running hours across multiple units, including one installed in MHIET’s private power plant at the Sagamihara premises. These units have demonstrated consistent performance throughout the year, validating their reliability.

The development of the G16NB engine was supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Achieving the world’s top-class electrical efficiency for a 2,000 kW natural gas engine involved implementing various innovative technologies. These include the use of steel pistons to increase maximum cylinder pressure, improved fuel combustion through a 2-stage turbocharging system in the Miller cycle, and precise control of ignition timing for each cylinder.

Cogeneration systems, such as the SGP M2000, play a crucial role in the transition towards carbon neutrality. They are energy-saving and have a reduced environmental impact. Moreover, these systems exhibit superior starting performance and can help stabilize grid voltage fluctuations caused by renewable energy sources. They are also capable of providing power during blackouts following natural disasters, making them highly resilient. Consequently, the demand for cogeneration systems is expected to grow further, especially from the perspective of disaster resilience.