From Deyang, Sichuan, a steel behemoth weighing hundreds of tons is heading for the Central Asian grassland along the the Belt and Road. This is not only the first time that the F-class 50 MW G50 heavy-duty gas turbine has gone abroad, but also marks the official opening of the international market for China's independently developed "gas turbine". Kazakhstan's Jangbur Oblast will become the first overseas landing point to witness this leap.

On August 28th, the first unit of China's independently developed F-class 50 MW G50 heavy-duty gas turbine was shipped from Deyang, Sichuan. Kazakhstan became the first country in the world to apply this model, and the equipment was used for the energy project in Jiangbu'er Prefecture. The project plans to introduce 3 G50 units for use in the local gas steam combined cycle power plant. After the project is put into operation, it can balance power generation and heating, improve local energy supply, and enhance the stability of the regional power grid. This shipment marks the first export of this type of gas turbine, and Kazakhstan has become the first overseas landing country for this equipment.

Three units have settled in Jiangbu'er Prefecture

The Jiangbul project adopts gas steam combined cycle technology, which has a higher utilization rate of natural gas compared to traditional power generation mode and can achieve cogeneration of heat and power. The project will be put into operation to alleviate the local power and heat shortage, improve energy facility efficiency, and enhance the carrying capacity of the power grid.

In November 2025, Hafang signed a supply agreement with Dongfang Electric for three G50 units, marking the first overseas order for G50. In addition to delivering units, Dongfang Electric also provides full lifecycle technical operation and maintenance support. This project is an important practice of China Kazakhstan energy cooperation under the framework of the the Belt and Road, and the domestic gas turbine technology has achieved its first overseas landing.

Suitable for special working conditions in Kazakhstan

In response to the harsh climate and power grid characteristics of Kazakhstan, three G50s have completed specialized technical adaptation. The unit strengthens its low-temperature start-up capability to ensure stable operation in winter, and can operate at full load in just over ten minutes, meeting the peak shaving needs of the power grid. Optimization of control system, enhancement of primary frequency regulation and grid support capability, rapid adjustment of output during load fluctuations, and improvement of grid operation stability. The new unit not only supplements the electric heating supply, but also has flexible adjustment capabilities to ensure the smooth operation of the local power system.

Showcasing China's manufacturing strength

Heavy duty gas turbines are the core equipment for gas-fired power generation, with F-class being the international mainstream model. The core temperature of the equipment exceeds 1300 degrees Celsius, with strict requirements for materials, manufacturing, and control technology. The combined cycle mode can fully utilize waste heat to improve energy efficiency. G50 was independently developed by Dongfang Electric after 13 years of research and development, and was listed as China's first major technological equipment for energy in 2021. Keywords: G50 gas turbine, Dongfang Electric, Kazakhstan

After the unit is put into operation, it will improve the local electric heating supply, strengthen the power grid regulation capability, and promote efficient gas-fired power generation technology. Kazakhstan, as the first overseas application country, has opened up a new path for energy technology cooperation between China and Kazakhstan.Editor/Gong Ziwei