GE Vernova reports that the Japanese joint venture Goi United Generation Goi Thermal Power Station has achieved the start of commercial operation in Chiba Prefecture, part of the Greater Tokyo Area. The joint venture comprises Japan’s largest power producer by capacity JERA, ENEOS Power and regional utility Kyushu Electric Power. The plant, powered by three GE Vernova 9HA.02 gas turbines and the first of its kind installed in Japan, is expected to deliver more than 2.3 GW to the grid to contribute to the maintenance of a stable supply in the country.
In addition to the gas turbines, GE Vernova delivered three heat recovery steam generators, with the pressure part modules built in GE Vernova’s factory in Changwon, South Korea, each HRSG being delivered in only three prefabricated ‘supermodules’ assembled in Tongyeong, South Korea.
The installation of the high efficiency HA equipment and Toshiba’s steam turbines and generators renewed the power plant initially built in the 1960s and retired in 2018, enabling an estimated 16 % reduction of CO2 emissions compared to the old facility.
“The commissioning of this plant marks the completion of the construction of one of the largest LNG-fired power plants in Japan, with an output capacity amounting to the equivalent to the power needed by 2.2 % of homes in Japan” said Mr Sato of Goi United Generation CEO.
GE Vernova worked with Toshiba to integrate the currently largest HRSG supermodules in the world at the Goi plant following a very complex transport process over sea from South Korea to Japan invoving space limitations and logistical challenges. Each supermodule weighs approximately 2500 metric tons, measures between 43 to 46 m in height, and is tailored to withstand earthquakes.
GE Vernova equipment currently provides about half of Japan’s gas power capacity. Initiatives that GE Vernova is driving together with key players in Japan include the development of more efficient and advanced gas turbines and hydrogen combustion capable equipment, and technology for ammonia combustion in collaboration with IHI.
For more information read GE Vernova’s white paper: “Decarbonization pathways for Japan – challenges in the power sector from 2023-2050”
