Two new gas-fired combined cycle blocks of around 1400MW have gone into commercial operation this week at Thailand’s Bang Pakong power plant.

The plant in Bangkok is operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and was built in 1977, when it comprised five blocks burning natural gas and diesel.

The two new gas-fired combined cycle blocks, powered by GE turbines, replace retired ones.

Prasertsak Cherngchawano of EGAT said the project “is in response to the government’s commitment to the retirement of less efficient and older plants, to be replaced with new gas-powered highly efficient combined-cycle capacity as a solution to reduce emissions and increase the reliability and flexibility of Thailand’s power system”.

The new blocks are powered by two of GE’s 9HA.02 gas turbines – the first time the 50 Hz turbines have been deployed in Thailand – as well as two advanced STF-A650 steam turbines, and two W86 generators.

GE has also signed a long-term services agreement with EGAT to provide parts, repairs and maintenance services for these sites.

Ramesh Singaram, president of for GE Gas Power Asia, said the growth of gas power generation “plays a crucial role in facilitating Thailand’s transition to a future with lower carbon emissions, as gas continues to be both an enabler of the energy transition as well as a destination technology”.

He added: “Today there is increased interest in using hydrogen fuel to reduce carbon emissions from power generation. Advancements in hydrogen-based power generation and carbon capture and sequestration solutions enable gas turbines to be a destination technology and not just a bridging short-term investment.”

GE Gas Power says that it’s equipment generates up to 30% of Thailand’s power with a fleet of over 100 gas turbines.