French conglomerate Alstom has signed a 10-year operations and maintenance (O&M) contract with Eastern Power and Electric (EPEC) for a 350MW power plant in Thailand.
The latest contract, worth €90m, is an extension to the existing O&M contract for the Bang Bo gas-fired power plant located at Khlong Daan in the Bang Bo Samut Prakan province.
Under the agreement, the generating station site will be operated by Alstom’s permanent employees. They will also carry out all planned and unplanned maintenance works at the plant.
EPEC owns the Bang Bo combined cycle power plant, which was built by Alstom in 2000 and features GT26 gas turbine.
The France-based company will also upgrade the existing GT26 gas turbine with MXL2 turbine blade and components as part of the service contract. The installation is expected in 2014.
Alstom Thermal Services senior VP Hans-Peter Meer remarked that the new contract highlights the firm’s competitiveness in the gas turbine after sales market in Thailand.
"This upgrade will not only increase the capacity, efficiency and operational flexibility of the power plant but will also extend intervals between major inspections," added Meer.
EPEC MD David Michaels commented: "The renewal of our current operations and maintenance contract with Alstom for a 10-year period is also a reflection of our confidence in Alstom’s ability to operate and provide full plant services to Bang Bo power station and ensure our continued competitiveness in the Thai power market."