GE Gas Power technology powers updates to 1.4 GW power plant

EGAT’s Bang Pakong Power Plant now includes two new gas-fired combined cycle blocks powered by GE equipment. (Photo: GE Gas Power)

GE Gas Power and Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), the country’s main electricity producer, announced the start of commercial operation of EGAT’s Bang Pakong Power Plant Block 1 and 2 in Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao Province, roughly 60 km south of Bangkok. Two new gas-fired combined cycle blocks, powered by GE equipment, replaced retired ones. GE has also signed a long-term services agreement with EGAT to provide parts, repairs and maintenance services.

Mr. Prasertsak Cherngchawano, EGAT Deputy Governor - Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy, said the project was initiated in response to the government’s commitment to the retirement of less efficient and older plants “to be replaced with new gas-powered highly efficient combined cycle capacity as a solution to reduce emissions and increase the reliability and flexibility of Thailand’s power system.” He added that EGAT trusted GE as a major energy player with future-proof technology to help the organization provide the country’s population with more reliable and more sustainable power, both now and in future.

Built in 1977, the original Bang Pakong Power Plant complex was comprised of five blocks burning natural gas and diesel. The two new blocks add approximately 1,400 MW of electricity, capable of powering up to 3 million Thai homes.

The new blocks are powered by two of GE’s 9HA.02 50 Hz gas turbines, in use for the first time in Thailand, as well as two advanced STF-A650 steam turbines and two W86 generators. According to GE, its H-Class gas turbine portfolio can burn up to 50% by volume of hydrogen when blended with natural gas – a capability enabled by the DLN2.6e combustion system that is standard on current 9HA.01/9HA.02/7HA.03 gas turbines offerings.

“In Thailand, GE continues to support the advancement of the country’s energy goals, working alongside our long-term customer EGAT,” said Ramesh Singaram, president and CEO, GE Gas Power Asia. “Similarly, the growth of gas power generation plays a crucial role in facilitating Thailand’s transition to a future with lower carbon emissions, as gas continues to be both an enabler of the energy transition as well as a destination technology.

“Today, there is increased interest in using hydrogen fuel to reduce carbon emissions from power generation,” he continued. “As a world leader in gas turbine fuel flexibility, we are taking proactive actions towards decarbonizing gas generation capacity (both new and existing plants) via a combination of pre- and post-combustion technologies. Advancements in hydrogen-based power generation and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) solutions enable gas turbines to be a destination technology and not just a bridging short-term investment.”