Goi Thermal Plant Enters Operation with GE Vernova’s H-Class Turbines, HRSG Tech

In a first of its kind, the Goi Thermal Power Station in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, kicked off operation using three GE Vernova 9HA.02 gas turbines, three heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), and steam turbines and generators from Toshiba.

“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 power needed by 2.2% of homes in Japan,” said Masataka Sato, CEO of GIUG. “Providing safe and reliable electricity while contributing to reducing 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.”

The plant—a Goi United Generation (GIUG) joint venture among JERA, ENEOS Power, and Kyushu Electric Power—will add over 2.3 GW of reliable electricity supply to the national grid. GE Vernova’s HA-class turbines and Toshiba’s steam-generation equipment allowed the plant to come online after its retirement in 2018. Initially constructed in the 1960s, the Goi Thermal Power Station may reduce CO₂ emissions by 16% compared to the original plant.

Goi Thermal Power Station; image credit: GIUG

HRSG Supermodules

The HRSGs were manufactured as pressure part modules in GE Vernova’s factory in Changwon, South Korea, and then were assembled into prefabricated supermodules in Tongyeong before maritime shipment to Japan. Each supermodule weighs approximately 2,500 metric tons, measures 43 – 46 meters in height, and plays a vital role in combined-cycle power plants: It leverages heat from gas turbine exhaust to produce super-heated steam, powering a steam turbine to generate up to 50% more energy without additional fuel.

“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 of over 100 years, fostering numerous milestones together and the safe transport, installation, and commissioning of our 9HA.02 gas turbines and our HRSG supermodules. 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 role supplying electricity for Japanese homes and businesses.”

Toshiba assisted GE Vernova with integrating the world’s largest HRSG supermodules at the Goi plant, overcoming several space limitation and logistical challenges. These systems are approximately the height of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe or a 15-floor building.

GE Vernova in Japan

In October 2024, the Kansai Electric Power Co. ordered three GE Vernova 7HA.03 gas turbines to be installed at the Nanko power station in Osaka, Japan. The 7HA.03 equipment will replace aging conventional LNG power generation assets, consisting of three boilers and three steam turbines. It will increase power plant efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions, and, in addition, GE Vernova will provide field services.

And in September 2023, JERA’s 1.5-GW Futtsu power plant-Group 4, powered by three GE 9HA.01 gas turbines, started commercial operation. Located in Chiba, Japan, the 5.6 MW Futtsu power plant delivers more than 1.5 GW of electricity to the national grid. As one of Japan’s largest LNG terminals, it receives over 11 million tons of LNG per year.