Japanese Jera Upgrades Power Turbines in Chiba

Japan's Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) is working on an engineering, procurement and construction contract to upgrade a Jera-operated power plant at the Anegasaki power station in Chiba, the contractor said March 18.

Three 650-MW turbines will replace four gas-fired steam power generation units (see picture). The upgrade will enhance efficiency and is scheduled to begin operations successively from early 2023 through the summer, reaching a total output of 1.95 GW.

The work is being done jointly with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, which will supply three generators and control systems. The three gas turbines and related equipment will come from MHPS' Takasago Works in Hyogo; the three steam turbines are sourced from Hitachi Works in Ibaraki; and the heat recovery steam generators and exhaust gas denitriser systems come from its Kure Works inHiroshima.

The JAC gas turbines have advanced turbine blade cooling technologies that allow for shorter start-up times compared to steam cooling methods, and improves operational efficiency.

MHPS hopes to work further on the widespread adoption of next-generation GTCC power plant systems in Japan and around the world, centred on JAC turbines and the entire J-Series. It says this will contribute to the stable supply of the electric power essential for economic development throughout the world and promote the decarbonisation of energy.