First U.S. order for Mitsubishi J-series gas turbine

The Grand River Dam Authority’s (GRDA) Board of Directors gave their unanimous approval for the selection of MPSA to supply a natural gas powered M501J Gas Turbine, SRT-50 Steam Turbine and associated electric Generators for installation at the proposed new Unit #3 at their existing power generation facility in Chouteau, Oklahoma. Under a separate long term service agreement, MPSA will also provide comprehensive maintenance for the gas turbine and associated electric generator.

The Unit #3 power train will be a “combined cycle” generation unit with the capability to efficiently produce 495 megawatts (MW) of electricity while also helping GRDA meet new emissions regulations set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Construction of Unit #3 will begin in 2015 and it is expected to become operational in 2017. 

With this announcement, Mitsubishi has now received orders for 28 units of the J series turbine worldwide. There are currently 9 M501J 60 Hz turbines in operation and the 60 Hz J fleet has accumulated more than 28,000 hours of operation to date. The M501J gas turbine to be installed at the GRDA power generation facility will be manufactured at MPSA’s Savannah Machinery Works; its turbine manufacturing and service facility located in Savannah, GA.

With a Turbine Inlet Temperature of 1,600 C, the J-series turbine promises an ISO efficiency of 61.5% LHV. 

Headquartered in Vinita, GRDA is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Directly or indirectly, GRDA’s low-cost, reliable electricity serves nearly 500,000 homes in Oklahoma and stretches into 75 of 77 counties in the state. At no cost to Oklahoma taxpayers, GRDA also manages 70,000 surface acres of lakes in the state, including Grand Lake, Lake Hudson and the W.R. Holway Reservoir.