Alstom to build the first ultra-supercritical lignite-fired power plant in Asia

Alstom, in consortium with Marubeni Corporation, has signed an agreement with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to supply and build the new unit at Mae Moh power plant. The total amount of the contract is 950 million in total, with Alstoms share of the contract worth approximately 520 million. The contract will be carried out on an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis. This new unit will replace existing units 4-7 and will make Mae Moh the first lignite-fired power plant in Asia operating with ultra-supercritical conditions. Upon its completion in 2018, the unit will produce 600 MW of electricity with the highest environmental performance and with atmospheric emissions reduced to meet the most stringent regulations.

Alstom will supply its state-of-the-art technologies, such as the ultra-supercritical boiler with integrated Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx (SCR), its ultrasupercritical steam turbine and generator, as well as the air quality control systems composed of a Wet Flue Gas Desulphurisation (WFGD) system enabling reduction of sulphur oxides by more than 98%, and Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) designed to capture particulate and dust emissions, with an efficiency of more than 99.9%. 

While existing units in the Mae Moh Power Plant were all originally equipped with Alstom boilers, the new unit will operate at ultra-supercritical conditions which leads to a higher overall plant efficiency, an improvement of close to 20% in the heat rate compared to the current specifications, increased power output as well as a reduction of more than 20% in CO2 emissions per unit of fuel burned compared to current installations.

Andreas Lusch, Senior Vice President Steam Business at Alstom, said, as we return to Mae Moh, this contract further confirms our customers confidence in Alstom technology and execution capabilities to provide the most efficient and reliable power. We are proud to be able to work with EGAT to bring more sustainable and cleaner power to Thai customers and businesses. This success also reinforces our position as a leading power solutions provider in the industry.

Alstom has been present in Thailand for over 40 years, having supplied over 7GW of installed capacity in the country and is currently constructing the 850 MW North Bangkok combined cycle power plant, Block 2.