GE Vernova announces first 100% hydrogen-fueled aeroderivative gas turbine solution

On the sidelines of COP29, GE Vernova announced on Wednesday that its LM6000 gas turbine, included in the GE Vernova LM6000VELOX packaged solution, is planned to operate on 100% hydrogen at the Whyalla hydrogen power plant in the Upper Spencer Gulf, South Australia.

GE Vernova announced it has secured an order with ATCO Australia for four LM6000VELOX units with commissioning expected in early 2026. It is projected to mark the first time a GE Vernova power plant project, at commercial scale, is powered by aeroderivative gas turbine combustion technology capable of operating on 100% hydrogen.

GE Vernova’s first-of-its-kind aeroderivative gas turbine solution is capable to be powered by renewable hydrogen generated at the Whyalla complex helping to produce zero CO2 at the gas turbine exhaust during operation when fueled with 100% renewable hydrogen. The site will include one of the world’s largest hydrogen production and storage plants. When completed, the Whyalla hydrogen facility will utilise South Australia’s surplus renewable energy, generated by large-scale wind and solar farms, to produce renewable hydrogen that will be stored and used to power the four LM6000VELOX units.

Advancing capabilities in combustion systems

“GE Vernova has been investing over the years in R&D to advance the capabilities of its combustion systems to burn higher blends of hydrogen. We are proud to unveil our first 100% hydrogen-ready aeroderivative gas turbine solution to support our customers’ decarbonisation goals while maintaining grid reliability, which requires the deploying of renewable and conventional power technology in tandem,” said Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business. “The South Australian Government, through our project partner ATCO Australia, selected GE Vernova as the preferred equipment supplier for its Hydrogen Jobs Plan, and we are honored to work with ATCO Australia and BOC in this first-of-its-kind project, which is a major step in support of South Australia’s renewable energy future.”

Whyalla hydrogen power plant aims to be a new source of flexible power, providing additional grid stability for homes and businesses around the state by utilising excess renewable energy generated from large-scale wind and solar farms to provide a consistent output of supply. The power plant is expected to deliver a combined capacity of up to 200 megawatts (MW) and to help meet electricity demand while ensuring stability of electricity supply in South Australia’s electricity grid during periods when renewable energy sources are not available or are not meeting full demand.

The announcement was made during a signing ceremony at COP29 attended by Ramesh Singaram, President and CEO of Asia, Gas Power, GE Vernova together with the Hon Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia and John Ivulich, CEO and Country Chair, ATCO Australia.

“GE Vernova is one of the most recognisable brands in the world and has a proven reputation as a supplier of power infrastructure,” said the Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas. “More importantly, GE Vernova is capable of producing turbines that can operate at 100%capacity on hydrogen. This means we can harness South Australia’s incredible renewable resources and put it to productive use, helping develop a more sustainable electricity supply across our State.”

“With more than 70% of energy generated from renewable resources, South Australia is set to become a global leader in producing and utilizing renewable hydrogen and we are delighted to be part of this project that can unlock decarbonisation opportunities,” said John Ivulich, CEO and Country Chair, ATCO Australia. “By deploying GE Vernova’s first-of-its-kind aeroderivative solution, able to operate on 100% hydrogen, we will support South Australia’s continued energy transition and decarbonisation journey, in alignment with the State’s goals outlined in the Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan.”