Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has completed its largest-ever gas turbine project, marking a significant milestone in Thailand’s energy infrastructure.
The company has finished the installation of the eighth and final M701JAC gas turbine unit at a massive 5,300 MW combined cycle power plant in Thailand.
This project is a joint venture between Gulf Energy Development, one of Thailand’s largest independent power producers, and Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a Japanese trading firm.
The full commercial operation of the plant commenced on October 1, 2024.
The completion of the project marks the on-time delivery of a major gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) plant that stretches across two provinces, Chonburi and Rayong. The multi-phase project, which began in 2018, saw the installation of a total of eight M701JAC gas turbines, with four at each plant. The power plants are now fully operational, ensuring a steady supply of electricity critical to Thailand’s energy security and economic growth.
Seven of the M701JAC gas turbine units have collectively accumulated over 100,000 hours of operation since their installation, further proving the technology’s reliability.
The turbines, paired with steam turbines and heat recovery steam generators, play a vital role in producing clean and efficient power for Thailand, while also contributing to the country’s decarbonisation efforts.
The project is Mitsubishi Power’s largest by capacity to date. It reflects the company’s ability to deliver cutting-edge energy solutions while meeting global energy needs, especially as countries like Thailand look to balance energy security with sustainability.
The project’s significance extends beyond Thailand. The Chonburi site, in particular, became the location for Mitsubishi Power’s first J-Series Air-Cooled (JAC) gas turbine installation in Southeast Asia back in 2021. This milestone marked a major achievement in the region’s energy sector.
The Chonburi plant was completed in 2022 and earned the “Power Plant of the Year” award at the Power and Energy Awards during the 2023 Enlit Asia conference, further cementing its place as a benchmark for energy projects across Southeast Asia.
Mitsubishi Power worked closely with Gulf Energy Development and its construction partners to deliver each unit, applying continuous improvements from previous phases to ensure seamless operations.
Boonchai Thirati, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Energy Development, hailed the teamwork behind the project. “Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we managed to complete all eight units on schedule. This success would not have been possible without the strong collaboration with our partners,” he said during the completion ceremony.
Takao Tsukui, Executive Vice President of Mitsubishi Power, also highlighted the challenges the team overcame. “Each unit was completed every six months despite difficult circumstances. This is a significant achievement for everyone involved, and we are proud of the outcome,” Tsukui said. He noted that the successful installation of the JAC gas turbines in Thailand sets the stage for future contracts, with over 90 JAC units already in operation globally.
Long-term partnership for energy security
Following the project’s completion, Mitsubishi Power will continue to support the power plants under a 25-year Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA). The company is committed to ensuring the power plants operate at peak performance throughout their lifespan, meeting Thailand’s growing energy needs.
The project also involves a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). This long-term commitment guarantees a steady supply of electricity, further solidifying the importance of the project to Thailand’s energy landscape.
Commitment to decarbonisation
The M701JAC turbines deliver 64% efficiency in power generation, helping to reduce both fuel costs and carbon emissions. These advanced gas turbines are integral to Thailand’s strategy to enhance energy stability while working towards decarbonizing its energy mix.
Mitsubishi Power has a strong track record in Thailand. In 2011, the company received full-turnkey orders for GTCC plants at Nong Saeng and U Thai, which became operational in 2014 and 2015, respectively. In 2020, the company secured another major order for a GTCC plant from Hin Kong Power, a Gulf Energy Development joint venture.
