MHI receives order for two M501GAC gas turbines for new GTCC power generation plant of TransAlta of Canada

Thursday, Apr 26, 2012

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has received an order from TransAlta Generation Partnership, a subsidiary of TransAlta Corporation, a major power generation and wholesale marketing company in Canada, to supply two M501GAC gas turbines for installation at the Sundance 7 Power Generation Facility now under construction by TransAlta in Alberta. The gas turbines will be core components of the new natural gas-fired 800 megawatt (MW) gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) power generation plant. MHI received the order through MPS Canada, Inc. (MPSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas Inc. (MPSA) that serves as regional headquarters of MHI's power systems business in the Americas.

The Sundance 7 Power Generation Facility will produce enough electricity to power more than 900,000 homes in Alberta. The new GTCC power plant will consist mainly of two M501GAC gas turbines, a steam turbine and generators, with MHI to manufacture and supply the gas turbines and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation responsible for the generators. Production of some gas turbine components and all assembly work will be performed at the MPSA's Savannah Machinery Works, in Georgia.

TransAlta currently operates 53 power plants in Canada, 17 in the U.S. and five in Australia, collectively producing 10,000 MW. The company generates power from various energy sources, including coal, natural gas, hydropower, wind, geothermal and biomass. In Canada, it produces more than 1,000 MW by wind power generation. TransAlta and MPSC have agreed to collaborate on future units in TransAlta's growth plans. Those units may also incorporate MHI's latest M501J gas turbine, the largest and most efficient 60 hertz (Hz) gas turbine available.

The M501GAC gas turbine is one of the most efficient large-capacity (60 Hz) gas turbines in the world. To date, over 75 units of M501G series turbines have been ordered worldwide, including more than 35 units in North America. MHI believes the performance and track record of these gas turbines have been highly evaluated by customers, leading to its winning of the latest order.

GTCC power stations use gas and steam turbines in combination to generate electricity in two stages, utilizing high-temperature exhaust gas from the gas turbine to produce steam to drive the steam turbine. This configuration enables GTCC power plants to achieve higher thermal efficiency, which in turn reduces fuel consumption and lower emissions, ultimately contributing to effective energy utilization and lighter burden on the environment.

MHI has already delivered many GTCC power generation systems in Japan and other countries, and the company enjoys a solid reputation in the power generation system market both for its technological expertise and delivery track record. Adding the momentum from the latest order, going forward MHI now looks to further strengthen its aggressive marketing activities for its GTCC power generation systems and high-efficiency gas turbines.

Source: MHI

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