Overview

The Czech Republic’s fourth-largest power distributor will rely on a GE LM6000 PC Sprint to help stabilize the grid and support renewable energy beginning in 2024.

The challenge

The Czech government wants to diversify energy sources by increasing gas and renewables and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030. Although greenhouse gases have fallen there since 1990, the Czech Republic is still the fourth-largest emitter per capita in the European Union—primarily because of the country’s continued dependence on coal.

The solution

Expanding the Prostějov plant with the GE LM6000 gas turbine is a step toward diversifying energy sources in the country and helping UCED become a leader in reserve power. The turbine’s quick start-up time, fast installation, small footprint, and hydrogen capability will help achieve the region’s energy goals.

Outcomes

Pathway to a cleaner grid

Czech government’s target for emissions reductions by 2030

hydrogen capability of the aeroderivative turbine

LM6000 start and operational reliability

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We are committed to becoming a leader in the new reserve power segment. We selected GE’s aero technology for its fast installation, small footprint, and its operating flexibility.

Richard Holešinský

Investment Director at UCED

UCED Group, the energy division of Czech investment group CREDITAS Group, will begin using GE’s LM6000 PC Sprint aeroderivative gas turbine in 2024 to expand the Prostějov reserve power plant and help stabilize the grid. Once it’s operating, the unit will add about 50 megawatts (MW) to the national power transmission system.

The project supports the Czech government’s intention to diversify energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although emissions have fallen since 1990, the country is still the fourth-largest emitter per capita in the EU, mainly because of its heavy dependence on coal power.

In addition, the gas turbine has more than 40% hydrogen capability, with GE’s target to reach 100 % and reduce the plant’s footprint.

UCED plans to integrate more power blocks to create a 1,000 MW power complex in the Czech Republic by 2030, with an expected investment of over CZK 20 billion. Prostějov power plant will be part of UCED’s “virtual power plant,” consisting of several decentralized, interconnected sources controlled by a central control room. The main energy source will be gas, whether natural gas, biogas, or gas blended with hydrogen. The complex will also include solar parks, wind farms, and thermal and biomass plants.

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