MHPS receives order for low-NOx combustor and gas turbine upgrade in Taiwan

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) has received a full-turnkey order from Taiwan Power Company (Taipower), a publicly owned electric power provider in Taiwan, for refurbishment of equipment at two thermal power plants: the Nanpu Power Plant in Kaohsiung and Datan Power Plant in Taoyuan. The order calls for low-NOx (nitrogen oxides) combustor and performance enhancement of seven M501F gas turbines previously delivered by MHPS to Taipower, as well as supply of spare components. Support will also be provided through introduction of “MHPS-TOMONI,” MHPS’ digital solutions service. The refurbishment is scheduled for completion in August 2019.

The Nanpu and Datan power plants targeted for refurbishment are both natural-gas-fired plants incorporating gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) power generation systems. The Nanpu plant has a single unit, delivered in 2003, with a generation capacity of approximately 250 megawatts (MW). The Datan plant has six units (two trains), delivered in 2005 (Stage-I), with a total generation capacity near 1,400 MW. Both plants have contributed significantly to Taiwan’s power supply since going on-stream. The new project will be carried out jointly with Mitsubishi Corporation.

Refurbishment at both plants will center on replacement of combustors to MHPS’ new FMk8 model developed for low-NOx performance, which reduces NOx emissions about 60%. Performance enhancement will target increased generation capacity and higher efficiency mainly through upgrading of the turbine blades. At both plants, MHPS will be responsible for the design, manufacture, procurement, installation and test operation of the upgraded equipment.

Power supply in Taiwan today is consistently tight, with supply unable to keep pace. Taiwan needs to increase its reserve margin, i.e. its excess power generation capacity beyond peak demand level, and hopes continue to be placed in gas-fired power generation. Simultaneously, however, measures for easing environmental loads are demanded, spurring calls for generation facilities of higher efficiency that emit low NOx levels.