GE & HEI Fire Up and Synchronize Second 9HA Gas Turbine at Bhikki Power Plant

GE and Harbin Electric International Company Limited (HEI) tested first fire and synchronization of the second GE 9HA gas turbine installed at the Bhikki Power Plant. This significant accomplishment was achieved less than 18 months after the large turnkey project was first announced.

First fire is a critical test where the gas turbine is switched on and run on fuel at the site, and synchronization refers to when the unit is first connected to the national grid. The turbine can generate up to 385 MW of reliable power that is expected to be distributed for residential and commercial use within a few days.

The first 9HA unit had earlier achieved first fire on 13th February, 2017, less than 17 months after the project’s announcement. When put into combined-cycle configuration, the plant will generate 1,180 megawatts.

GE signed an agreement with HEI to provide two high-efficiency 9HA.01 gas turbines and associated equipment for the Bhikki Combined Cycle Power Plant in September 2015. HEI is providing engineering, procurement and construction services for the facility.

Image: Bhikki Power Plant (Source: GE)