GE Energy and MHI have signed final agreements to co-develop a “next generation” steam turbine for use in combined cycle plants, following the MoU announced in January 2009.
The new steam turbine will enter commercial service coupled with the GE Frame FB and the MHI G-class gas turbine products in the 50Hz segment of the global power generation market.
“GE has a long history of partnering with other suppliers and manufacturers to accelerate the pace at which advanced technology products are brought to market,” said Steve Bolze, president of GE Energy’s Power & Water business. “Under the agreements signed, GE and MHI will share best practices and development activities to bring a next-generation, high-performance steam turbine to the combined-cycle market faster than either party could individually achieve.”
Much of the current demand for steam turbines is driven by the strong global interest in gas-fired CCGT, the two companies say, noting that “steam turbines remain a backbone of the power generation industry, playing a part in generating more than 80% of the world’s electricity.”
