Japan’s Saibu Gas, Kyushu Electric revive Hibiki LNG power plant plans

Japan’s city gas supplier Saibu Gas and compatriot utility Kyushu Electric Power have revived plans to build an LNG-fueled power plant at the Hibiki regasification terminal in Kitakyushu.

The two firms are already partners in the 2.4 mtpa Hibiki LNG terminal located on the northernmost city on Japan’s Kyushu Island in Fukuoka prefecture. Saibu Gas has a 90% stake while the utility holds the rest.

Kyushu Electric and Saibu Gas said in a statement this week they have agreed to jointly work on the plan to build the combined cycle power plant next to the Hibiki terminal.

Saibu Gas revealed plans to build the Hibiki natural gas power plant with a capacity of up to 1,600-megawatt back in 2014 after the launch of the LNG terminal. However, it had never decided to build the facility.

The two firms said they would now work on a detailed study and plan to decide on the development in autumn this year.

Besides a gas and a steam turbine, the duo plan to introduce carbon-neutral fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen in the future, the statement said.

Should Kyushu Electric and Saibu Gas agree to build the power plant, it could start operations by mid-2020s, they said.

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