Russia Fires-Up First GE 9HA Gas Turbine

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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--Commissioning of the first GE 9HA gas turbine in Russia has taken place at the CHP-3 power plant in Kazan, capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Developed by General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) (Fairfield, Connecticut), it is the first time the technology has been deployed in Russia and will double the plant's current generating capacity from 385 megawatts (MW) to 790 MW. The city has been facing an energy deficit of approximately 700 MW in recent years, as the region's industrial sector has grown rapidly alongside that of the general population. This has forced the region to import power from neighbouring states.

Tatarstan's President Rustam Minnikhanov welcomed the addition of the new capacity. "It is no secret now that the wholesale electricity market here has certain limitations. Construction of the new unit is a unique project, which will significantly improve the economic parameters to become more competitive in the electricity market."

"Today's commissioning is the final step in the comprehensive modernisation of the Kazan CHP-3 power plant," said Albert Shigabutdinov, general director of the TAIF (Tatar-American Investment and Finance) group of companies, which backed the project. "Installing this gas turbine has doubled the plant's overall energy output and tripled electricity generation in combined-cycle operation, providing an additional reserve of thermal capacity to provide heating for customers, including the people of Kazan, at the lowest tariffs in the Republic of Tatarstan. Modernising this power plant is a great example of close cooperation among all players in Tatarstan's power industry, thanks to which Tatarstan will cease being a net importer of electricity and become self-sufficient."

John Rice, vice chairman of GE, added: "Tatarstan is a fast-growth region and with that comes increased need for reliable, efficient power. We are proud to be a partner with TAIF in the modernisation of the region's infrastructure using our advanced technologies. Russia's most efficient thermal power plant will help ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply for the people of Kazan for the next phase of economic development."

Industrial Info reported last year on the rollout of the first plant to be based the GE 9HA.01 turbine in Bouchain in France. Heralded as the most efficient combined-cycle gas turbine plant in the world, Bouchain boasted an efficiency rating of 62.22%, which was recognised by Guinness World Records as the most efficient power plant. For additional information, see June 21, 2016, article--France Fires Up World's Most Efficient Gas-Fired Plant.

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