Accelerating South Australia’s Clean Energy Transition with Green Hydrogen-Powered Aeroderivative Gas Turbines

Accelerating South Australia’s Clean Energy Transition with Green Hydrogen-Powered Aeroderivative Gas Turbines 

GE Vernova has unveiled the LM6000VELOX, a 100% hydrogen-ready aeroderivative gas turbine designed to operate on green hydrogen. This technology will be deployed at the Whyalla hydrogen power plant in South Australia, where GE Vernova has secured an order from ATCO Australia for four turbines, providing up to 200 megawatts (MW) of flexible power generation. This 200-MW peaking power station is part of a larger clean and renewable hydrogen initiative, including a 250-MW electrolyzer and a 100-ton hydrogen facility, using South Australia’s surplus wind and solar energy. The Whyalla facility will be GE Vernova’s first commercial-scale project to use aeroderivative gas turbines capable of running entirely on green hydrogen. 

What Are Aeroderivative Gas Turbines and Their Advantages? 

Aeroderivative gas turbines are derived from aviation turbine technology, originally designed for aircrafts like the Boeing 747. These turbines are capable of generating around 50 MW of power with advanced, fuel-efficient technology. Aeroderivative turbines offer several key advantages over traditional reciprocating engines, including lower emissions, improved grid quality, and reduced power costs. They also provide a much smaller physical footprint, allowing for efficient use of space, and are faster to deploy, with power generation available in a matter of weeks. Additionally, their lightweight design enhances mobility and fuel flexibility, making them ideal for rapid deployment in various environments. 

A New Era for Hydrogen Combustion and Gas Turbine Technology 

The LM6000VELOX is one of GE Vernova’s key products since its spin-off from General Electric in April 2024. Designed to meet the growing demand for flexible power generation, these turbines represent a significant advancement in aeroderivative gas turbine technology by supporting the grid during periods of low renewable output while aiding decarbonization. 

GE Vernova has long invested in research to adapt its turbines to operate on higher hydrogen blends, already achieving the integration of up to 50% of hydrogen in its HA-class turbines. The company aims for 100% hydrogen combustion in its heavy-duty turbines by 2030 and has already demonstrated that this is feasible at their Advanced Research Center in New York. 

South Australia’s Transition to Renewable Energy 

Since shutting down its last coal-fired station in 2016, South Australia has rapidly expanded its renewable energy portfolio, generating more wind and solar power than the demand required from industry and consumers. The Whyalla hydrogen power plant will harness this surplus renewable energy to produce green hydrogen through water electrolysis and aid the state’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2027.  Once operational, what is expected to be the world’s largest green hydrogen power plant will provide grid services to stabilize the grid. The facility also aligns with South Australia’s focus on clean energy, backed by an investment of around $593 million through the Hydrogen Jobs Plan Power Plant Project, which supports large-scale hydrogen production, storage, and utilization. 

Peter Malinauskas of South Australia stated, “This world-first technology not only enhances our energy security but also sets a global standard for sustainable, hydrogen-powered energy.”