GE helps increase output and improve flexibility at Chiba

In Japan, the recent deregulation of the electric power industry is causing a shift in the energy landscape,” says Satoshi Ogino, of independent power producer JFE (manager, Energy Technology Section, Energy Department, East Japan Works, Chiba). The industry competition is intense, with a lower barrier of entry for new power generation players. To sustain competitiveness, existing power generation operators with long standing histories, like JFE, are constantly looking at adopting modernised power plant solutions and services, ensuring energy security and optimised plant operation.

At JFE’s Chiba facility modernisation efforts have included an MXL2 gas turbine upgrade, a low-pressure steam turbine retrofit and a new lifetime management concept for the GT26 gas turbine. These upgrades, carried out by GE (on equipment originally supplied by Alstom as OEM), are expected to increase the output of the gas turbine by up to 60 MW. In addition, they will help improve operational flexibility for JFE and extend maintenance intervals of the turbine.

As part of a multiyear agreement signed by the two companies, GE will also provide O&M support at the facility for the next 15 years, and a small number of GE personnel will be on-site to assist and provide consultation to JFE on its plant operations.

This project is the first for GE in Japan that exploits its full capacity stemming from its acquisition of Alstom’s power business in 2015. GE delivered a full turnkey project to upgrade the entire power station – reflecting its expanded capabilities and its “Fleet360* total plant” concept. The modernization scope included gas turbine, boiler and balance of plant—under comprehensive project management, from process management to restarting the plant within the required designated downtime period.

The 15-year agreement represents the latest in a string of recent O&M projects for GE—from its deals with Sarawak Energy and SPR Energy in Malaysia to its landmark agreement with Sonelgaz in Algeria. The company’s Fleet360 platform enables it to providecross-fleet,totalplantsolutionssuch as services, upgrades, repairs, parts, multiyear agreements, O&M and digital solutions to help improve the performance and operation of both GE and other original equipment manufacturer (OEM) assets. Bolstered by the company’s acquisition of Alstom’s power business, GE says it’s Fleet360 offerings enable it to support more than 90 OEM brands of gas and steam turbines, generators, boilers and other balance-of-plant equipment.