Mitsubishi to manufacture J-series gas turbines in US

Anticipating growing U.S. demand for gas turbines to generate electricity, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems is set to begin producing gas turbines at its plant in the state of Georgia.

The J-series gas turbines, made in Japan until now, generate electricity efficiently via internal cooling and improved air intake. The turbines can cut annual fuel costs by hundreds of millions of yen (100 million yen equals $831,000) compared to earlier models.

Operating production sites in both countries helps MHPS prevent deteriorating profitability caused by foreign exchange fluctuations. The move also will help lower shipping costs and shorten delivery time. The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group company is a 65:35 joint venture with Hitachi.

The U.S. and other industrialized nations are restricting coal-fired power generation, which emits large amounts of carbon dioxide. Demand for gas-fired plants is expected to grow, and North America could account for 25-30% of the market.