Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation and GE Vernova have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at developing an integrated solution to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from combined-cycle gas turbine (GTCC) plants in Japan and other parts of Asia. The agreement plans to combine GE Vernova’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system with Toshiba’s carbon capture technology, which is based on a proprietary solvent.
A consolidated partnership around GTCC technology
This protocol marks a new phase in a strategic cooperation between the two companies that has spanned over forty years. It forms part of the working group established last June between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and GE Vernova, and aims to accelerate the reduction of emissions from gas-fired power generation.
Prior to the signing, Toshiba and GE Vernova conducted joint feasibility studies with several GTCC plant operators in Japan. These studies confirmed the viability of the integrated solution and its potential to significantly reduce the carbon intensity of both existing and upcoming facilities across the region.
Thermal system optimisation and carbon capture
The capture system developed by Toshiba uses residual heat from the plants to heat the solvent, eliminating the need for dedicated boilers and limiting the loss of net site power. GE Vernova’s EGR technology, which reinjects a portion of exhaust gases into the turbine, alters the exhaust gas composition, allowing for smaller capture units while improving overall efficiency.
This type of integration between turbines, steam cycles and capture systems offers a path to optimising capital costs and operational flexibility. In particular, the solution helps reduce the performance losses often associated with the addition of CO2 capture technologies.
Outlook for the thermal generation industry
This approach aims to address the operational challenges faced by thermal power producers while minimising the impact on plant profitability. It could also become a strategic option for Asian countries where GE Vernova’s gas turbines are already widely deployed or currently being installed.
Shinichi Kihara, Director-General for Energy and Environmental Policy at METI, welcomed the initiative as “a means of balancing energy security, economic growth and decarbonisation”. Toshiba, for its part, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in maintaining the competitiveness of its offerings while responding to increasing emission reduction demands.
