MHPS receives order to construct 5,300MW power plant project in Thailand

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) has received a full-turnkey order for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of a 5,300MW natural-gas-fired power plant project planned by a joint venture between Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, one of Thailand's largest independent power producers (IPP) and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. A long-term service agreement (LTSA) was also concluded. Plans call for two 2,650-megawatt (MW) gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) power plants incorporating eight M701JAC gas turbines—the first order for this model received from Southeast Asia. The units will be installed at two generating plants both located near Bangkok, with commercial operations due to begin in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

The new power plants will be constructed in Chonburi and Rayong provinces, both approximately 130 kilometers (km) southeast of Bangkok. Each plant will have a generating capacity of 2,650MW, with natural gas serving as the primary fuel. The generated power will be sold to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to respond to Thailand's rapidly increasing power demand, which is rising in tandem with the country's economic growth.

The GTCC plant will have four power trains at each generating facility, with each facility incorporating four gas turbines, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators and generators etc. MHPS will be in charge of manufacturing and supplying the gas and steam turbines and ancillary equipment, and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation will provide the generators.

Previously, MHPS received full-turnkey orders from a company backed by Gulf Energy Development to construct GTCC plants at Nong Saeng and U Thai in 2011. Those plants began commercial operations in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and their consistent track record led to receipt of the latest order.