Alstom to service North Bangkok 2 combined cycle plant

Alstom has been selected by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to provide turnkey maintenance for two gas turbines at the North Bangkok combined-cycle power plant (CCPP) Block 2. Currently being constructed by Alstom in consortium with Sumitomo, the North Bangkok CCPP Block 2 is expected to be completed in 2016.

The CCPP features two single shaft blocks of Alstom’s upgraded GT26 gas turbine, which is said to offer greater operational flexibility, reliability and efficiency with lower emissions. When operational, it is expected to contribute a further 850MW to EGAT’s generating capacity. The contract, valued at over €80 million (US$99 million), was signed in Bangkok by Soonchai Kumnoonsate, Governor of EGAT and Patrick Kron, CEO of Alstom.

The Long Term Service Agreement (LTSA) will span 12 years and includes performance guarantees for the entire term of the contract. Alstom will also provide technical training for EGAT’s maintenance crew.

EGAT is Thailand’s public utility and the largest power producer in the country, owning and operating power plants at close to 40 sites across the country. These plants produce a combined output of approximately 15GW – approximately 50 percent of Thailand’s installed capacity. Over two-thirds of generated electricity in the country is fuelled by natural gas.

Michael Rechsteiner, Senior Vice President Alstom Thermal Services said the contract “is a true demonstration of Alstom’s reliability and performance and re-affirms the customer’s trust and confidence in both our products and the after sales service we provide.”

Alstom has made its presence felt in Thailand for nearly 40 years and has built over 7GW of the installed power generation capacity in the country. Thailand has East Asia’s largest fleet of Alstom GT26 gas turbines with seven units currently operational. With the completion of North Bangkok CCPP Block 2, the figure will go up to nine.