First 20 MW Gas Turbine with 35% Efficiency

  Kawasaki has succeeded in developing the L20A, a very high-efficiency 20MW gas turbine for industrial use. The L20A features one of the highest thermal efficiencies-35 percent- in its class. A cogeneration system based on the L20A can boost the total thermal efficiency to over 80 percent, while a combinedcycle power plant (CCPP) with the L20A and a steam turbine will realize electrical efficiency of over 47 percent.
  Distributed energy plants are increasingly popular in view of their reduced environmental impact and more effective use of energy. Many industries are turning to cogeneration systems that combine gas turbine generators and wasteheat recovery boilers, or to CCPPs that use steam turbines to generate electricity. The L20A is an optimum gas turbine for these purposes. We expect a high demand not only in Japan, but in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world with a growing demand for electricity.
   With the development of the L20A, the lineup of Kawasaki's gas turbines for cogeneration systems now encompasses a range from 500 kW to 20,000 kW (20 MW), allowing us to meet an even broader range of needs. Kawasaki will initiate sales of L20A-based power generation systems in fiscal 2001, and aims to claim the No. 1 position in the global market.