Mitsubishi Power Completes Construction of M701 Turbine for Thailand Power Plant

Mitsubishi Power, a subsidiary brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, completed construction on the eighth and final M701 JAC unit for a 5,300 MW natural gas-fired power plant project in Thailand. The project is a joint venture between Gulf Energy Development Public Co. and Mitsui & Co., and successfully began full commercial operations on October 1, 2024. This milestone marks the on-time completion of a multi-phase project awarded in 2018, featuring two GTCC plants in the Chonburi and Rayong provinces.

“As a result of our collective efforts as a team, we successfully navigated challenges posed by COVID-19 and commenced the operation of all eight units on schedule,” said Boonchai Thirati, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Energy Development Public Co. “We thank all our partners for their performance and look forward to continuing our partnership to deliver stable electricity to communities across Thailand.”

Each plant is equipped with four M701 JAC gas turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators, supporting a reliable and sustainable energy supply for Thailand’s energy security and economic growth. On October 1, the first seven units installed across Chonburi and Rayong collectively logged 100,000 actual operating hours. The M701 JAC turbine delivers 64% power generation efficiency, reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions.

GTCC power plant in Rayong, Thailand; image credit: Mitsubishi Power

After the two GTCC power plants were completed, Mitsubishi Power agreed to maintain the facilities under a long-term service agreement (LTSA). In addition to an engineering, procurement, and construction contract, a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and a 25-year LTSA with Mitsubishi Power have been established. These contracts will ensure the plant meets Thailand’s growing energy demand at peak performance throughout its lifecycle.

"Having overcome challenging circumstances, including COVID-19, we completed each of the remaining units every six months,” said Takao Tsukui, Executive Vice President, Mitsubishi Power. “Today, all units are fully operational on schedule. As our first JAC gas turbine project in Southeast Asia, the GTCC plants in Chonburi and Rayong Provinces set the stage for contracting over 90 JAC gas turbines globally. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and are committed to ensuring the continued success of this project through our long-term service agreement."

Mitsubishi Power News

In late August 2024, Samsung C&T Corp. Saudi Arabia ordered Mitsubishi Power’s M501 JAC combined-cycle hydrogen-ready gas turbine for an industrial steam and electricity cogeneration plant project—the project consortium is led by Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. (TAQA) and JERA. The planned facility will generate electricity and steam for a petrochemical complex in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

Mitsubishi Power also signed a long-term service agreement with the consortium for parts, repairs, and services. The agreement is supported by Mitsubishi Power’s service center located close to the plant site, which enables localized support and fast response times. The 475-MW cogeneration power plant, owned by TAQA (51%) and JERA (49%), will power the Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Co. (SATORP) strategic expansion—a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies. The SATORP petrochemical complex will contain a large mixed-load steam cracker.