Nihon Techno Orders 70 MW Gas Engine Power Plant

Tokyo, October 30, 2013 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has been awarded a full turnkey contract by Nihon Techno Co., Ltd., a power producer and supplier (PPS)*, to build a gas engine power plant for the Joetsu Green Power Project (tentative name) in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture. This is the second such contract to be awarded by Nihon Techno, the first being the Sodegaura Green Power Project in 2011.

The new 70 MW power plant will consist of ten Kawasaki Green Gas Engines (KG-18-V), each boasting an electrical output of 7,800 kW and the world’s highest electrical efficiency of 49.0%. Kawasaki will oversee the entire construction project, including power plant design, supply and installation of power equipment, and facility construction. The power plant is scheduled to be put into operation in the spring of 2015.

The Kawasaki Green Gas Engine features outstanding electrical efficiency and environmental performance, as well as fast start-up and loading capability that attains maximum load within just 10 minutes. A multi-unit configuration of these gas engines enables highly flexible and low-risk plant operation. Easy operation with the DSS (Daily Start and Stop) system is also a feature that sets this engine apart.

Nihon Techno started as an independent electrical services firm engaged in safety and energy efficiency consulting to high-voltage customers. In June 2009 it expanded its operations to include power production and supply, selling electricity to high-voltage customers as well. In 2012 the company established the Sodegaura Green Power, a 110 MW gas engine power plant, in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture. The first such facility to be built in Japan, it is playing a major role in providing a stable supply of electricity and easing the strain on domestic power supply.

The latest order is a testament to the success of the first project, which Kawasaki oversaw as well, along with Kawasaki's outstanding technological capabilities, reliability, and after-sales services. It also shows that gas engine power plants are viable as load following power plants that can also adjust demand and supply for PPS.

Needs for distributed power systems including small and medium scale utility and captive power plants are increasing to ensure a stable power supply. Kawasaki is continually moving forward to meet those needs and further grow its energy and environmental business through the marketing of its innovative gas engines and other power systems.