Establishment of 'MHI Innovative Combustion Dynamics Laboratory' at Kyoto University Through Industry-Academia Collaboration
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kyoto University have established a joint laboratory to pursue over 70% GTCC efficiency and carbon-neutral combustion technologies. The initiative aims to solve energy challenges and foster next-generation hard-tech talent.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 20:15
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56 (2h 40m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 06:04 (583h 8m after Collected)
◆ Commencing joint research on innovative combustion technologies aiming for over 70% GTCC efficiency
◆ Fostering next-generation hard-tech talent through deepening industry-academia collaboration
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Kyoto University, a National University Corporation, will establish an industry-academia joint laboratory named the 'MHI Innovative Combustion Dynamics Laboratory' on April 1. This initiative is aimed at promoting the 'development of highly efficient, carbon-neutral combustion technologies aiming for world-leading GTCC (Gas Turbine Combined Cycle) efficiency of over 70%' and the 'cultivation of next-generation talent in the hard-tech field.'
Global electricity demand is on an upward trend. Driven by the progress of electrification and the expansion of data centers accompanying the spread of generative AI, balancing a stable power supply with decarbonization has become a critical issue shared by all countries. Under these circumstances, gas turbines are increasing in importance as a core power source that boasts high efficiency and high output adjustment capabilities, able to complement renewable energy while contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, through adaptation to clean, decarbonized fuels such as hydrogen in the future, it is expected to become a core technology supporting the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
One of the fundamental elements bearing this role is combustion technology. Advanced combustion control that achieves both high efficiency and ultra-low emissions is a field where Japan has cultivated strength over many years, and it is a source of international competitiveness. Continuous R&D investment and the cultivation of next-generation talent in this field are crucial initiatives directly linked to strengthening the competitiveness and ensuring the sustainable development of Japan's energy industry.
In this laboratory, toward the pursuit of innovative technologies aiming for over 70% GTCC efficiency and the realization of carbon-neutral combustion technologies, we will install combustion test equipment capable of reproducing actual machine phenomena. By utilizing advanced measurement technologies and numerical simulations to elucidate phenomena, we will challenge the creation of new conceptual combustion technologies. Furthermore, aiming for social implementation, the research will target a wide range of combustion studies beyond GTCC, including rocket engine combustion, supersonic combustion, and reciprocating engine combustion. Through this initiative, we will create a crucial driving force that simultaneously achieves academic challenges and the creation of social value, while also contributing to the cultivation of next-generation talent in the hard-tech field.
Through the above, MHI will continue to create world-number-one products, advancing the expansion of domains and overall optimization advocated in 'Innovative Total Optimization (ITO).'
**Overview of the Industry-Academia Joint Laboratory**
[Laboratory Name]
MHI Innovative Combustion Dynamics Laboratory
[Establishment Period]
April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2031 (5 years)
[Faculty (Full-time)]
Naoto Horibe (Program-Specific Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University)
[Faculty (Concurrent)]
Ryoichi Kurose (Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University)
[Faculty (Concurrent)]
Jun Hayashi (Professor, Department of Energy Science and Technology, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University)
[Activity Content]
Pursuing innovative combustion technologies for over 70% GTCC efficiency and realizing carbon-neutral combustion technologies, installing combustion test equipment reproducing actual phenomena, elucidating phenomena through measurements and numerical calculations, and fostering next-generation talent.
◆ Fostering next-generation hard-tech talent through deepening industry-academia collaboration
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Kyoto University, a National University Corporation, will establish an industry-academia joint laboratory named the 'MHI Innovative Combustion Dynamics Laboratory' on April 1. This initiative is aimed at promoting the 'development of highly efficient, carbon-neutral combustion technologies aiming for world-leading GTCC (Gas Turbine Combined Cycle) efficiency of over 70%' and the 'cultivation of next-generation talent in the hard-tech field.'
Global electricity demand is on an upward trend. Driven by the progress of electrification and the expansion of data centers accompanying the spread of generative AI, balancing a stable power supply with decarbonization has become a critical issue shared by all countries. Under these circumstances, gas turbines are increasing in importance as a core power source that boasts high efficiency and high output adjustment capabilities, able to complement renewable energy while contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, through adaptation to clean, decarbonized fuels such as hydrogen in the future, it is expected to become a core technology supporting the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
One of the fundamental elements bearing this role is combustion technology. Advanced combustion control that achieves both high efficiency and ultra-low emissions is a field where Japan has cultivated strength over many years, and it is a source of international competitiveness. Continuous R&D investment and the cultivation of next-generation talent in this field are crucial initiatives directly linked to strengthening the competitiveness and ensuring the sustainable development of Japan's energy industry.
In this laboratory, toward the pursuit of innovative technologies aiming for over 70% GTCC efficiency and the realization of carbon-neutral combustion technologies, we will install combustion test equipment capable of reproducing actual machine phenomena. By utilizing advanced measurement technologies and numerical simulations to elucidate phenomena, we will challenge the creation of new conceptual combustion technologies. Furthermore, aiming for social implementation, the research will target a wide range of combustion studies beyond GTCC, including rocket engine combustion, supersonic combustion, and reciprocating engine combustion. Through this initiative, we will create a crucial driving force that simultaneously achieves academic challenges and the creation of social value, while also contributing to the cultivation of next-generation talent in the hard-tech field.
Through the above, MHI will continue to create world-number-one products, advancing the expansion of domains and overall optimization advocated in 'Innovative Total Optimization (ITO).'
**Overview of the Industry-Academia Joint Laboratory**
[Laboratory Name]
MHI Innovative Combustion Dynamics Laboratory
[Establishment Period]
April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2031 (5 years)
[Faculty (Full-time)]
Naoto Horibe (Program-Specific Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University)
[Faculty (Concurrent)]
Ryoichi Kurose (Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University)
[Faculty (Concurrent)]
Jun Hayashi (Professor, Department of Energy Science and Technology, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University)
[Activity Content]
Pursuing innovative combustion technologies for over 70% GTCC efficiency and realizing carbon-neutral combustion technologies, installing combustion test equipment reproducing actual phenomena, elucidating phenomena through measurements and numerical calculations, and fostering next-generation talent.