Mitsubishi Power to Supply Gas Turbine at Oklahoma Energy Center

Mitsubishi Power and the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) have come to terms on an agreement for the delivery of a second gas turbine to the Grand River Energy Center in Chouteau, OK. Mitsubishi Power’s M501 JAC is the first turbine operating in simple cycle in the United States, according to the company. The Unit 4 gas turbine will replace the final coal-fired unit—Unit 2— at the Grand River Energy Center (GREC).

“By replacing its coal-fired units with our J-Class gas turbines, including Unit 4’s hydrogen-capable turbine, GRDA is demonstrating its continuing commitment to cleaner, more flexible and reliable energy production,” said Bill Newsom, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Power Americas. “Our long-term relationship with GRDA was born out of mutual trust and confidence cultivated over nearly a decade.”

The M501 JAC air-cooled gas turbine will replace GREC’s Unit 2 system, which is a 492-MW coal-fired generator that became operational in 1985. Mitsubishi’s Unit 4 gas turbine is hydrogen-capable, allowing the integration of gas blends or, in the future, pure hydrogen.

GREC held the Unit 4 signing ceremony on Oct. 2, 2023, adding that construction is expected to begin in 2024 and operation will commence in April of 2026. Mitsubishi Power, as a term in both gas turbine agreements, will conduct long-term maintenance, parts supply, and remote monitoring of the units.

Signing ceremony at the Grand River Energy Center; Image Credits: Grand River Dam Authority