Toshiba has been awarded a contract from Hokkaido Electric Power (HEPCO) to provide a high efficiency combined-cycle thermal power generation system for the Ishikariwan Shinko Power Plant Unit 1.

The Ishikariwan Shinko Power Plant Unit 1 is the HEPCO’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled thermal power plant.

Expected to achieve a thermal efficiency of 62%, the combined-cycle thermal power generation system will feature GE’s high efficiency 9HA gas turbine and Toshiba’s most advanced steam turbine.

Toshiba and GE, through the alliance, will further strengthen cooperation, and their plans to develop highly efficient and environmentally friendly low-NOx and CO2 emission combined-cycle thermal power generation systems while expanding their thermal power generation business globally.

Toshiba Power Systems Company Thermal & Hydro Power Systems & Services Division vice-president Yoshihiro Aburatani said: “Toshiba and GE’s LNG fueled combined-cycle thermal power generation system contributes to achieving the balanced power supply mix, essential for securing long-term stable power supply.”

Toshiba will serve as prime contractor for the project.

Scheduled to begin construction in October 2015, the plant is expected to have an output capacity of 569.4MW.

Toshiba and GE will use their experience to promote combined-cycle systems joint marketing to offer the world’s highest level of thermal energy efficiency.

GE Power & Water power generation products vice-president Victor Abate said: “As the centerpiece of Toshiba’s power generation system, GE’s 9HA Gas Turbine provides the highest combined cycle efficiency, power plant availability and unprecedented operational flexibility, while also being more economical in construction, operations and maintainability over the product lifecycle.”