As the Japanese electricity segment booms with liberalization dynamics and ongoing deregulation while at the same timefacing a decline in power demand, a stable power supply is the number one priority for energy players in the country. As an Independent Power Producer (IPP), JFE Steel Corporation (JFE)—faced with aging energy infrastructure—turned to GE’s Power Services business to help modernize, increase output and improve operational flexibility at its Chiba combined-cycle power plant.
GE’s modernization efforts consisted of a MXL2 gas turbine upgrade, a low-pressure steam turbine retrofit and a new lifetime management concept on the GT26 gas turbine. These upgrades are expected to increase the output of the gas turbine by up to 60 megawatts. In addition, they will help improve operational flexibility for JFE and extend maintenance intervals of the turbine.
As part of a multiyear agreement (MYA) signed by the two companies, GE will also provide O&M support at the facility for the next 15 years.
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.
