Doubling Up In Russian Republic

The first GE 9HA gas turbine in the Russia/CIS region entered into operation at a power plant in Kazan, the capital of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan.

The new 405 MW power unit will double the Kazan CHP-3 power plant’s current generating capacity from 385 MW to a new total of 790 MW. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, GE Vice Chairman John Rice, Tatar-American Investments & Finance (TAIF) General Director Albert Shigabutdinov and President & CEO of GE Russia/CIS Ron Pollett.

The 9HA.01 at the CHP-3 power plant project, announced in 2014, will help modernize CHP-3 by replacing existing gas-fired boilers and increasing the plant’s total combined heat and power efficiency to 80%. GE said it worked in close cooperation with Gama Power Systems Engineering and Contracting to deliver a turnkey solution for the customer, TGK-16, a member of the TAIF group of companies. The plant in Kazan is one of a growing number of global power plants featuring GE’s 9HA gas turbine.

“Today’s commissioning is the final step in the comprehensive modernization of the Kazan CHP-3 power plant. 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. Modernizing this power plant is a great example of close cooperation among all players in Tatarstan’s power industry, thanks to which Tatarston will cease being a net importer of electricity and become self-sufficient,” said TAIF General Director Albert Shigabutdinov.

“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 modernization of the region’s infrastructure using our advanced technologies,” said John Rice, vice chairman of GE. “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.”

GE said the HA turbine technology features innovative materials and a cutting-edge airflow design to deliver better cooling and combustion performance. The advanced digital control system provides exceptional operational efficiency with fast ramping and high-efficiency partial-load capabilities. In addition, the turbine features an innovative combustion chamber that can significantly reduce harmful emissions and lower environmental impact.

At 790 MW, the upgraded CHP-3 power plant will provide enough power for the equivalent of nearly a million single-family Russian homes. The HA turbine boasts a compressor airflow that could inflate the Goodyear blimp in 10 seconds, and the tip of its last blade clocks in at 1200 mph—1.5 times the speed of sound.