On the sidelines of COP 29, GE Vernova has announced plans for its LM6000 gas turbine, integrated into the GE Vernova LM6000VELOX packaged solution, to operate on 100% hydrogen at the Whyalla hydrogen power plant in the Upper Spencer Gulf, South Australia.
The company confirmed it has secured an order with ATCO Australia for the project, in collaboration with BOC, a Linde company. The project involves the deployment of four LM6000VELOX units, with commissioning scheduled for early 2026.
This initiative will represent the first commercial-scale GE Vernova power plant project to leverage aeroderivative gas turbine combustion technology designed to run entirely on hydrogen.
The LM6000VELOX units feature GE Vernova’s innovative aeroderivative gas turbine solution, which can operate using renewable hydrogen produced at the Whyalla complex. This will enable zero CO2 emissions at the turbine exhaust during operation when fuelled with 100% renewable hydrogen.
GE Vernova Gas Power business CEO Eric Gray said: “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 percent 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.
“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 honoured 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.”
The Whyalla facility will host one of the world’s largest hydrogen production and storage plants. Upon completion, it will utilise surplus renewable energy generated from South Australia’s extensive wind and solar farms to produce renewable hydrogen. This hydrogen will be stored on-site and used to power the four LM6000VELOX units.
The Whyalla hydrogen power plant is set to provide a new source of flexible power, enhancing grid stability for homes and businesses across South Australia. By harnessing surplus renewable energy from large-scale wind and solar farms, the plant aims to deliver a consistent power output, even during periods when renewable energy generation is limited. The facility is expected to offer a combined capacity of up to 200 megawatts (MW), helping to meet electricity demand and stabilise the state’s electricity grid.
