Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) and Sumitomo Corporation have secured an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Societe Tunisienne de l'Electricite et du Gaz (Steg) for the construction of a ¥38-billion, 450 MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in Rades, 10 km east of Tunisian capital Tunis.
The initial operation of the power plant, which is expected to provide 10% of the country's total power generating capacity, will start in May 2019, with combined cycle full operation starting in April 2020.
Sumitomo will provide balance of plant and undertake civil and installation work, while MHPS will provide an M701F gas turbine, a heat recovery steam generator and a steam turbine, as well as dispatching technical advisers and supervisors to support during the installation and commissioning periods.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation will provide generators, while MHPS's European subsidiary signed a six-year maintenance contract.
Financed by the Japanese Official Development Assistant and organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the power plant will contribute to the Japanese government's ‘Partnership for Quality Infrastructure’ initiative, and Japanese funds and technology will be used to meet domestic power demand and help improve basic infrastructure in Tunisia.