GE Vernova secures 12-unit Aeroderivative order to power first hydrogen-ready power plant in Queensland, Australia

GE Vernova’s Gas Power business announced it has secured an order from Queensland Government-owned energy company CS Energy for 12 LM2500XPRESS* aeroderivative gas turbines for a new power station in the Western Downs Region, west of Brisbane, in Queensland, Australia. The new Brigalow Peaking Power Plant is expected to provide up to 400 megawatt (MW) of reliable energy supply, ideal to ensure and enhance grid stability in alignment with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, which outlines Queensland’s energy system transformation efforts.

With its flexibility, fast-start capability, and the ability to operate in high demand periods to support variable solar and wind power generation, this peaking plant is capable to operate initially on 35 percent (by volume) of green hydrogen, with a pathway to 100 percent hydrogen over this decade. Once in operation, planned in 2026, the power station is expected to provide the equivalent electricity consumed on average by more than 150,000 Queensland homes during peak demand periods.

“The Brigalow Peaking Power Plant will have fast-start capability – taking just five minutes to go from cold to full output,” said Queensland Minister for Energyand Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni. “The Brigalow Peaking Power Plant demonstrates the opportunity for real action on climate change, moving away from fossil-fuels to green hydrogen produced here in Queensland from our abundant sun, wind and water. We know that green hydrogen has the potential to deliver 10,000 jobs and boost the economy by $33 billion by 2040, and that is why we’re backing this venture, as part of our commitment to the greatest jobs, climate and export opportunity in a generation.”

The plant will be built at CS Energy’s under-development Kogan Clean Energy Hub, home of the Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant, where green hydrogen will initially be sourced.

“CS Energy is committed to securing a balanced mix of energy sources that can meet our customers’ decarbonization requirements and support the delivery of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan,” said CS Energy’s CEO Darren Busine. “Brigalow Peaking Power Plant can provide the ability for multiple start/stop cycles per day and the ability to ramp up to full power output within few minutes. This project is an example of how we plan to create clean energy hubs at our power stations to deliver the energy mix needed to reliably transition the grid to renewable energy while also providing opportunities for our workforce to reskill.”

The use of renewable energy sources is continuously being expanded in Australia but grid infrastructure still requires highly efficient gas turbine technology to stabilize and support these variable technologies. The rapidly progressing energy transition presents system operators and energy suppliers with the increasingly difficult task of continuously ensuring stability of the grid, as coal is phased out and higher levels of renewable energy generation technologies are brought online.

“The path towards decarbonization requires the deploying of renewable and gas power in tandem. We are continuing to advance our gas power technologies towards near zero-carbon power generation and part of this evolution involves the use of emissions-friendly hydrogen in GE Vernova’s gas turbines,” said Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business. “We are proud to collaborate with CS Energy to this project, which is a major step for Queensland’s renewable energy future.”

GE Vernova’s LM2500XPRESS technology

GE Vernova’s LM2500XPRESS power plant is built on its proven LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine technology. The LM2500XPRESS is 95 percent factory assembled into simplified modules for faster and easier site installation. Its plug and play nature can provide flexible power where it is needed quickly and efficiently.

The LM2500 family of aeroderivative gas turbines, including the LM2500XPRESS, boasts over 120 million operating hours. The LM2500’s cycling capability is engineered for daily starts and stops, providing a strong flexible solution for grids with high penetration of renewable generation.

The compact LM2500XPRESS units for this project will be assembled at GE Vernova’s Manufacturing Excellence Center in Veresegyhaz, Hungary.

Source: ge.com