GE Vernova’s HA-powered Goi Thermal Power Station adds 2.3 GW to Japan

GE Vernova announced that the Japanese joint venture Goi United Generation (GIUG)’s Goi Thermal Power Station 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, the first of its kind installed in Japan, is expected to deliver more than 2.3 Gigawatts (GW) to the grid to help provide reliable electricity and the stable supply of electricity in Japan.

In addition to the gas turbines, for this project, GE Vernova delivered three GE Vernova Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs), with the Pressure Part Modules built in GE Vernova’s factory in Changwon, South Korea and delivered each HRSG in only three prefabricated Supermodules assembled in Tongyeong, South Korea, and then transported across the ocean to Japan. The HRSG plays an important part in a combined cycle power plant as it uses heat from the gas turbine exhaust to generate super-heated steam, which powers a steam turbine to create up to 50% more energy without any additional fuel.

The installation of advanced GE Vernova 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 percent 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 percent of homes in Japan” said Mr. Sato of Goi United Generation CEO. “Providing safe and reliable electricity while contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions is crucial. GE Vernova’s HA gas turbines are engineered to enable high output and efficiency and the new plant will help support Japan’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions per unit of fuel.”

GE Vernova worked with Toshiba to integrate the currently largest HRSG Supermodules in the world at the Goi plant following a very complex, and safely delivered, transport from South Korea to Japan. Each Supermodule weighs approximately 2,500 metric tons and measures between 43 to 46 m in height, almost as tall as The Arc de Triomphe in Paris or a 15-floor building. Despite space limitations and logistical challenges, GE Vernova and Toshiba jointly adapted to unique circumstances, and successfully delivered these Supermodules and completed the Goi plant.

“In Japan, GE Vernova continues to support the advancement of the country's energy goals, working alongside our long-term customers GIUG” said Ramesh Singaram, President & CEO for GE Vernova’s Gas Power Asia. “In addition, GE Vernova has a longstanding cooperation with Toshiba over 100 years, fostering numerous milestones together and the safe transport, installation and commissioning of our 9HA.02 gas turbines and our HRSG Supermodules is a great example of that. We’re proud that equipment of that size and tailored to withstand earthquakes was delivered to the Goi site safely—where it can play a crucial role supplying electricity for Japanese homes and businesses.”

With an installed base of more than 7,000 gas turbines and 1,300 HRSGs worldwide and significant technical expertise, GE Vernova delivers gas turbines and HRSG solutions that are custom engineered to help meet customers’ operating flexibility and performance requirements.

Over the last 130 years, GE Vernova has contributed towards Japan’s stable power supply by providing power generation equipment including gas turbines, steam turbines, nuclear reactors, hydro and wind turbines. GE Vernova equipment currently provides about half of Japan’s gas power capacity and supports the country’s growing renewable and nuclear energy needs. 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.