Abstract: A startup system for a steam-driven turbine type power plant is disclosed in which auxiliary steam from an external source is heat exchanged against a circulating fluid so as to supply heat to the main steam generator during startup. In one preferred embodiment, auxiliary steam is also used to heat an inert gas which is circulated through the main superheater or reheater of the power plant to heat the superheater or reheater during startup. In another preferred embodiment, steam from a main superheater, or reheater, is used to heat a fluid in an auxiliary generator, and the heated fluid in the auxiliary generator is circulated to supply additional heat to the main steam generator during startup.