This successful upgrade of the Futtsu Power Plant–Group 4 stands as a testament to the continuous efforts to enhance Japan's energy infrastructure and transition towards greener, more efficient power generation.
GE Vernova’s has proudly announced the successful commencement of commercial operations for JERA's Futtsu Power Plant–Group 4, a powerhouse facility located in Chiba, Japan. This achievement comes after the completion of GE’s largest-scale flange-to-flange project in Asia, making it a significant milestone in Japan's energy landscape.
The Futtsu Power Plant, boasting an impressive 5.6GW capacity, comprises four groups and stands as one of Japan's largest and most pivotal power generation facilities. Operated and owned by JERA Co., Inc. (JERA), the plant plays a vital role in supplying reliable electricity to residents and businesses in the Tokyo Metropolitan area.
According to GE Vernova, the large-scale upgrade involved the replacement of three units with advanced turbines, enhancing performance and efficiency, and reducing emissions. This flange-to-flange replacement has effectively extended the life of critical assets, improved efficiency, and increased the plant's reliability. In addition to the turbine upgrades, GE Vernova will provide comprehensive equipment maintenance services for 12 years, ensuring the continued performance and longevity of the plant.
"The completion of the flange-to-flange project at group 4 of the Futtsu Power Plant is testament to our dedication to continuously improving our power generation facilities' energy generation," stated JERA Futtsu Thermal Plant General Manager, Fumitaka Ninomiya. "The Futtsu facility has now reset the clock on crucial assets, delivering 1.5GW of electricity with more efficient technology that can help reduce emissions by burning fuel more efficiently."
This achievement aligns with Japan's commitment to sustainable and efficient power generation solutions, as outlined in the 6th Strategic Energy Plan. Furthermore, GE's guaranteed gas turbine performance is set to enhance availability and overall plant reliability.
Ramesh Singaram, President & CEO for GE Vernova’s Gas Power Asia, expressed his pride in the project's success, stating, "The successful completion of this project marks our commitment to supporting customers, like JERA, to deliver innovative, reliable, and sustainable power solutions to support and further the energy transition in Japan.”
According to GE Vernova, they proudly look back on over 130 years of contributing to Japan's stable power supply, offering a wide range of power generation equipment, including gas turbines, steam turbines, nuclear reactors, hydro and wind turbines. Their enduring collaborations with JERA and Toshiba have resulted in numerous milestones that have shaped the country's energy landscape.
Along with their significant current role in powering 50% of Japan’s gas power capacity, GE Vernova is also responsible for installing 25% of the country’s current capacity of onshore wind, as well as 1.6 GW of offshore wind projects in the making, including Akita Noshiro, Akita Yurihonjo, Choshi, with Haliade-X, the world’s largest offshore wind turbines, set to begin operations targeting 2030.
Source: GE Vernova