Mitsubishi Power has announced the completion of the eighth and final M701JAC unit at the 5.3GW combined cycle power plant in Rayong, Thailand.

The project is a joint venture between Gulf Energy Development and Mitsui & Co.

The multi-phase initiative, which commenced in 2018, has now established two gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) plants in the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong.

Each GTCC plant hosts four M701JAC gas turbines, steam turbines and heat recovery steam generators.

This configuration is expected to bolster Thailand's energy security and support its economic expansion by providing a stable and sustainable power source.

Gulf Energy Development Public Company deputy CEO Boonchai Thirati stated: "As a result of our collective efforts as a team, we successfully navigated challenges posed by Covid-19 and commenced the operation of all eight units on schedule."

As of 1 October 2024, the first seven units at the Chonburi and Rayong sites have collectively achieved more than 100,000 actual operating hours, demonstrating their operational reliability.

Chonburi power plant's initial phase in 2021 was the first Southeast Asian deployment of Mitsubishi Power's J-Series air-cooled gas turbine.

The entire plant reached completion in October 2022.

With the two GTCC power plants now operational, Mitsubishi Power will continue to manage the facilities under a long-term service agreement (LTSA).

The project also includes a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and a corresponding 25-year LTSA with Mitsubishi Power, ensuring that the plants will meet Thailand's increasing energy demands efficiently.

Mitsubishi Power executive vice-president Takao Tsukui stated: “As our first JAC gas turbine project in Southeast Asia, the GTCC plants in Chonburi and Rayong Provinces set the stage for contracting over 90 JAC gas turbines globally.”