GE Gas PowerOur aeroderivative gas turbines offer an efficient solution for maintaining security of supply, integrating with renewables, and keeping power up and running.
The growth in renewables and the expected retirement of large baseload coal-fired power stations is creating an opportunity for flexible gas-fired power plants and capacity firming solutions. The rise of solar and wind power has led to an accompanying decrease in reliability and security of supply on the grid, and with the Australian Energy Marketing Operator (AEMO) forecasting an increase in load-shedding over the next few years, the need for a dispatchable solution is clear.
Also known as grid firming, capacity firming is a vital characteristic for any power generation system. While renewable power generation sources are now essentially competitive with traditional power generation alternatives, they can have adverse system impacts if they are not carefully integrated into the grid. Wind and solar are typically non-dispatchable and their nameplate capacity does not always align with the required power demand.
As we see in this wintertime demand profile curve for Australia, going green without “going down” requires a balance between developing renewable energy and system reliability to avoid power outages and grid stability issues. Source: AEMO
Born from aviation technology, GE’s aeroderivative portfolio features highly flexible and mobile technologies for use in a wide variety of applications, including utility generation, district heating, mobile power, fast power, and of course, grid stability. GE’s aeroderivative gas turbines have a wide range of characteristics that makes them exceedingly suitable for capacity firming.
Want to learn more? Click each item to uncover the aero advantage for Australia.
Typical medium-speed reciprocating engines have a ramp rate of about 5 MW/min, but aeroderivative gas turbines have a nominal ramp rate of around 50 MW/min, providing a much faster frequency control response for better grid support. Aeroderivative turbines are designed for high cycling capability, allowing multi-day start/stop cycles.
High part load efficiency, a low minimum load, and deeper turndown all contribute to aeros’ flexibility. Additionally, aeroderivative gas turbines are hydrogen-capable and can operate on a wide variety of fuels, like natural gas, diesel and aviation fuel, but can also be configured to operate on fuels such as naphtha, LPG, ethane, ethanol, bio-diesel and others.
With pro-boost, a short duration power boost, and synch condensing capabilities (and even clutchless synch condensing configuration available), aeroderivative gas turbines are a better choice for grid frequency regulation in Australia.
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The size of our aeroderivative gas turbines (as compared to larger heavy-duty machines) makes them good for both a smaller land footprint and a more flexible way to either add to your current power setup or create a modular layout.
Our TM2500 can be installed in less than three months, and our LM6000 and LM2500 can be up and running in six, helping you get the dispatchable power you need, either as a bridging solution or for an emergency fast-power situation.
Access to water is a challenge in Australia, making our dual-fuel DLE (Dry Low Emissions) combustor technology a great solution. As the name suggests, DLE helps you meet NOx emissions requirements without the need for water or steam injection.
Ready to learn more about why our aeroderivative gas turbine solutions are a great peaking plant solution to support the high level of renewable energy generation in Australia’s electricity grid? Download our infographic series, or take a deep dive with our latest white paper.
Learn the basic facts around the importance of a stable power grid.
Get an inside look at how our aeroderivative gas turbines can help stabilize the power grid.
Explore the latest grid firming innovations that are powering tomorrow.
We’ve redesigned and streamlined our popular “Peaking Plant Applications” white paper with more interactivity and more opportunities to see why our gas turbines are a great fit for Australia. Open it now for a reimagined look at capacity firming in Australia—and if you’re interested, you can still download the entire white paper on the last page.
Recommended for: Mid-merit, base load and mining applications
| 91 MW | 52.8% |
| Power Output | Net Efficiency |
| Start time/Ramp rate | |
|---|---|
| Start time simple cycle | <5 min |
| Start time combine cycle | <1 hr |
| Ramp rate | 30 MW/min |
Standard and modular combined cycle
Quick to install vs. traditional combined cycle
Lower site labour required and reduced schedule risk
Recommended for: Peaking, mid-merit and hybrid grid firming, CC, and Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
| 57 MW | 41% |
| Power Output | Net Efficiency |
| Start time/Ramp rate | |
|---|---|
| Start time simple cycle | <5 min |
| Ramp rate | 50 MW/min |
Great for simple and combined-cycle
SPRINT technology adds an additional 5MW of power when needed
Recommended for: Mobile power applications available within 3 months, fast track or short-term duration projects
| 33.6 MW | 34.8% |
| Power Output | Net Efficiency |
| Start time/Ramp rate | |
|---|---|
| Start time simple cycle | <5 min |
| Ramp rate | 30 MW/min |
Mobile and easy to transport
Small block size allows good part power turndown and efficiency
Re-locatable if project requirements change
Optional clutchless synchronous condensing
Recommended for: Peaking, mid merit and industrial power applications, suitable for all applications with a smaller power requirement
| 32.5 MW | 36.5% |
| Power Output | Net Efficiency |
| Start time/Ramp rate | |
|---|---|
| Start time simple cycle | <5 min |
| Ramp rate | 30 MW/min |
Most reliable aeroderivative gas turbine in the world—reliability consistently above 99.8%
Optional clutchless synchronous condensing
Recommended for: Fast track peaking/mid-merit applications and capital-sensitive shorter-term projects
| 35.8 MW | 37.4% |
| Power Output | Net Efficiency |
| Start time/Ramp rate | |
|---|---|
| Start time simple cycle | <5 min |
| Ramp rate | 30 MW/min |
Modularized, prefabricated skid mounted, pre-commissioned solution
Reduced on-site installation and commissioning
Zero gas turbine water consumption requirement
Infigen: South Australia
In 2019, Infigen announced it would be leasing 4 x 30 MW TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines. Infigen was attracted to the assets due the their fast-start capability, dual-fuel flexibility, portability, and low maintenance costs. The lease is expected to commence in May 2020. The units will complement Infigen’s renewable energy portfolio, while contributing to grid stability and reliability in South Australia.
Calik Enerji: Aden, Yemen
Yemen struggles to maintain reliable power generation, even in densely-populated areas, making day-to-day tasks near impossible. In 2017, GE supplied two TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines to Calik Enerji, the EPC on the Al-Hiswa fast power expansion project. The first GE aeroderivative turbines in Yemen, these units accommodate gas and liquid fuels without major hardware modifications and can start in as few as 10 minutes. Working together with Calik Enerji, GE got these turbines up and running quickly, providing 60MW of additional power, just in time for 40°C temperatures during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Southern California Edison (SCE): California, USA
SCE was looking to reap the economic and environmental benefits from integrating grid-scale batteries and renewables while re-purposing traditional fossil fuel generation. GE’s solution was the first of its kind: two 10 MW battery energy storage systems, each paired with GE’s proven 50 MW LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbines, capable of providing instantaneous response during a spinning reserve event. The LM6000 Hybrid EGT increased SCE revenue while driving down operating costs with less fuel and 2 million fewer gallons of water consumption per year. Additionally, the solution lowered maintenance costs while cutting emissions by as much as 60%.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out our videos and get a front-row seat to the future of energy in Australia.
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