GE, Toshiba to develop combined cycle power generation projects

Japan's Toshiba Corp. recently said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. conglomerate General Electric Co. to form a global strategic alliance that the two companies would jointly develop select combined cycle power generation projects globally.

The companies will also explore the formation of a strategic joint venture for the development of next-generation combined-cycle power projects having higher levels of thermal efficiency.

Toshiba and GE have cooperated in gas turbine combined cycle power generation systems since 1982, and the two firms have existing agreements to pursue together 50 Hz and 60 Hz projects in Japan and in key regions in Asia. Combined cycle power generation systems combine gas and steam turbines to achieve very high fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared with conventional thermal power plants, Toshiba said.

GE and Toshiba have a variety of complementary high-efficiency steam turbine and generator technologies, which are expected to bring stronger capabilities in engineering solutions for combined cycle systems like highest plant efficiency and a shorter and flexible start-up profile.