GE starts commercial ops of Futtsu gas power plant group 4

GE Vernova's gas power business has launched commercial operations for JERA’s 1.5 GW gas-fired group 4 of the Futtsu power plant in Chiba, Japan, it announced on August 28.

The plant is powered by three GE 9HA.01 gas turbines. The facility is part of a 5.6 GW complex composed of four groups and serves as one of Japan's largest power generation facilities. Additionally, it serves as Japan's largest LNG terminal, handling over 11mn tonnes/year of LNG. Owned and operated by JERA, the Futtsu power plant supplies electricity to the Tokyo Metropolitan area.

GE Vernova, in collaboration with JERA and EPC partner Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, executed a flange-to-flange replacement to upgrade the existing three units to the 9HA.01 technology. This upgrade ensures improved performance, efficiency, and reduced emissions, GE said.

The flange-to-flange replacement is a cost-effective approach to addressing various power generation needs simultaneously, including asset life extension, performance improvement, emissions control, and fuel flexibility, GE added. The original gas turbines have been replaced by GE's latest HA gas turbine model.

Apart from upgraded auxiliary systems and control systems, GE Vernova will provide equipment maintenance services for 12 years.