GE Vernova Turbines Part of Upgrade at Japan Gas-Fired Power Plant

The Nanko Power Plant in Osaka, Japan, will be upgraded with new gas turbines from GE Vernova. The 1,800-MW station, which was commissioned in late 1990, is replacing three boilers and three steam turbines in an effort to increase the efficiency of the facility and reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide. GE Vernova on October 8 announced the order for three of the company's 7HA.03 turbines. The Nanko plant is operated by Kansai Electric Power Co. Officials on Tuesday said the upgrade is part of Japan's strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. GE Vernova, in a recent "2024 Japan Energy Outlook" white paper, said that Japan is investing in lower-carbon power generation sources, and is looking at "Economic Efficiency" as one of three "S+3E" pillars in the country's revised national 6th Strategic Energy Plan. The other pillars are "Safety plus Energy Security" and "Environmental Sustainability."

Ramesh Singaram, president and CEO, Asia, for GE Vernova's Gas Power division said, "The plant is expected to deliver up to 1.8 GW of electricity to the grid in total and to be the among the most efficient in the country. "In addition, 7HA.03 gas turbine technology currently has the capability to burn up to 50% by volume of hydrogen when blended with natural gas, with a technology pathway to 100% over the next decade." Singaram added, "We look forward to bringing this advanced technology to Kansai Electric, with whom we have a longstanding relationship built on years of mutual respect and trust, to help revitalize the Japanese power industry with more efficient and more sustainable technology, in alignment with the country’s energy goals." GE Vernova also is expected to provide field services for the project. The company has been active in the power generation space in Japan for more than 130 years, and is responsible for more than half of the country's heavy duty gas power capacity. —Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER (@POWERmagazine).