Georgia Power and Mitsubishi Power have successfully completed a major hydrogen fuel blending demonstration at Georgia Power’s Plant McDonough-Atkinson in Smyrna, Georgia. The project marked a significant milestone as it became the world’s largest hydrogen blending test on an advanced class gas turbine, and the first to validate a 50% hydrogen and natural gas blend under both partial and full load conditions. The 50% hydrogen blend achieved an estimated 22% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to using 100% natural gas. A series of trials with varying hydrogen concentrations—from 5% up to 50%—were conducted over several weeks in May and June 2025.

The demonstration was made possible following the 2023 upgrade of an existing M501GAC gas turbine from steam-cooled to air-cooled technology, incorporating Mitsubishi Power’s J-series combustion system, which is known for its high hydrogen co-firing capabilities. This upgrade not only improved turbine performance by enabling faster startups and reduced maintenance, but also laid the groundwork for the successful hydrogen blending test.

This collaborative effort between Georgia Power, the largest electric utility under Southern Company, and Mitsubishi Power is part of Georgia Power’s ongoing investment in research and development to provide more reliable, cleaner, and affordable energy. The project builds on the earlier 20% hydrogen blending trial completed at the same facility in 2022. Since 2007, Georgia Power has cut its carbon emissions by over 60%.

Rick Anderson, senior vice president and senior production officer for Georgia Power, mentioned, “Natural gas serves a critical role in our generation mix, providing flexibility, baseload power and quick response to customer demand, and will continue to be an important fuel as we plan to meet the energy needs of a growing Georgia through a diverse portfolio of generation resources. At Georgia Power, innovative testing such as this is just one way we help ensure we can deliver reliable and affordable energy for customers for decades into the future, and reduce our overall emissions. Investments we’re making in our fleet and power grid today will benefit future generations, and I’m very proud of the team at Plant McDonough-Atkinson and Mitsubishi Power for their dedication to this project and safely completing this test.”

Mark Bissonnette, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Power Generation at Mitsubishi Power Americas, stated, “It has been a privilege to partner with Georgia Power on this landmark project. Building on the success of our earlier tests, we have achieved a 50% hydrogen blend in an advanced-class gas turbine, showcasing the capabilities of our state-of-the-art technology. This is a significant milestone for both companies to help Georgia Power reduce carbon emissions across its generation fleet.”

Located less than ten miles from downtown Atlanta, Plant McDonough-Atkinson has powered the region for over 80 years and was converted entirely to natural gas in 2012. It now operates six advanced M501G and M501GAC gas turbines and three steam turbines, configured in three 2-on-1 combined-cycle blocks. The hydrogen blending trial was conducted on one M501GAC turbine unit, which produces approximately 283 megawatts of electricity. Mitsubishi Power delivered a full turnkey solution, including engineering, hydrogen blending equipment, control systems, commissioning, and risk management. Hydrogen was supplied and managed by Certarus.

Southern Company’s research and development team provided technical expertise throughout the project, supporting the broader goal of advancing low-carbon hydrogen technologies across generation, storage, and delivery systems. Natural gas remains a key energy source for Georgia Power, accounting for 40% of its annual electricity generation. The company is also expanding its generation portfolio. As part of the 2023 Integrated Resource Plan Update, three new hydrogen-capable Mitsubishi Power turbines are being developed at Plant Yates in Coweta County.

Additionally, Georgia Power has proposed upgrades for ten existing gas turbines at Plant McIntosh in its upcoming 2025 IRP, expected to add 268 megawatts of new capacity. Together with investments in renewable energy such as solar, these developments underscore Georgia Power’s strategy to balance reliability, affordability, and emissions reduction as it prepares to meet the growing energy needs of Georgia.