Keppel to upgrade second gas turbine unit at the Keppel Merlimau Cogen plant

The upgrade is expected to be completed by June 2025.

Keppel Limited announced, on July 1, that it will upgrade a second existing gas turbine unit at the Keppel Merlimau Cogen combined cycle power plant (KMC) on Jurong Island.

The upgrade will enhance the efficiency of KMC’s overall plant operations, increase operational reliability and extend the major maintenance intervals. The upgrade is expected to lower the plant’s carbon emissions by at least 17,800 tCO2e per year, or the equivalent of removing over 5,400 vehicles off the roads annually.

The upgrade, which is supported by the Genco Energy Efficiency Grant awarded by Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) in 2023, entails modifications to the gas turbine frame including the turbine, compressor, as well as the combustor.

According to Keppel, it has begun preparations for the upgrade and is working “very closely” with the original equipment manufacturer. The upgrade is expected to be completed by June 2025.

“As we transition to new, more efficient power generation plants, it is equally important that existing plants enhance their energy efficiency to contribute to the decarbonisation of Singapore’s energy sector,” says Ngiam Shih Chun, chief executive of EMA.

“Enhancements at Keppel’s plant, supported by the Genco Energy Efficiency Grant, demonstrate EMA’s commitment to improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions among power generation companies. We look forward to further collaborations with industry partners as we advance our energy transition towards a sustainable future,” he adds.

“Backed by the proven reliability of our first high-efficiency upgrade of one turbine of our electricity generation units completed in 2022, which has achieved over 15,000 operating hours, Keppel is undertaking an upgrade of a second unit to further improve the overall energy efficiency and lower the carbon emission intensity of our integrated power business,” says Cindy Lim, CEO of Keppel’s Infrastructure Division. “The upgraded units will be future-ready to facilitate the transition to low-carbon alternatives in electricity generation, in line with Keppel’s decarbonisation goals. We thank EMA for their continued strong support.”

Shares in Keppel closed 3 cents lower or 0.46% down at $6.44 on July 1.