First GE Vernova Aeroderivative Gas Turbine Operates on 100% Hydrogen

GE Vernova’s LM6000 gas turbine will operate on 100% renewable hydrogen, what the company is calling, a “first of its kind” turbine solution. The aeroderivative is part of its LM6000VELOX package, and per an order with ATCO Australia, will deliver four LM6000VELOX units to the Whyalla hydrogen power plant in Australia. Commissioning is slated to begin in early 2026.

Midhat Mirabi, Managing Director at GE Vernova’s Gas Power Aeroderivatives New Units, told Turbomachinery International: “The new design represents a leap forward in innovation, overcoming the challenges of hydrogen’s higher flame speed through precise design enhancements to the fuel nozzle, optimized water injection schedules, and advanced control modifications. Equipped with robust safety features, including nitrogen purge systems and hydrogen fire detection systems, it sets a new benchmark for reliability and safety. This is engineering excellence redefined."

Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business, said over the years, the company has been investing in R&D to redesign its combustion systems to operate on various blends of hydrogen.

The Whyalla hydrogen power plant will deliver flexible power, additional grid stability, and consistent supply output for South Australian homes and businesses by leveraging spare renewable energy produced via large-scale wind and solar farms. It may provide a combined capacity of up to 200 MW, meeting local electricity demand when renewable energy sources enter intermittency periods.

“The state of South Australia is already capable of running its grid on 100% renewable energy; however, this requires devices such as gas turbines or synchronous condensers to provide inertia for grid stability," said Dr Jeffrey Goldmeer, Director of Energy Transition, GE Vernova. "Gas turbines, when operated on 100% renewable-based hydrogen, can provide dispatchable and decarbonized power.”

Whyalla hydrogen power plant; image credit: OHPSA

“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 decarbonization 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 decarbonization journey, in alignment with the state’s goals outlined in the Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan.”

The four LM6000VELOX units will be powered by renewable hydrogen produced at the Whyalla complex. Upon completion, Whyalla will include large-scale hydrogen production and storage plants.

“GE Vernova 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 renewable resources and put it to productive use, helping develop a more sustainable electricity supply across our state.”

More GE Vernova News

Yesterday, GE Vernova acquired Woodward’s heavy-duty gas turbine combustion parts business located in Greenville, SC. Per the definitive agreement, GE Vernova will obtain all assets at Woodward’s Greenville site, which is focused on supplying parts and services for the company’s gas turbine manufacturing operations and supports its investments in United States manufacturing, jobs, and domestic supply chain. The transaction is expected to close in early 2025.

GE Vernova’s Advanced Research segment was also chosen by the Department of Energy (DOE) to receive an award under the H2SENSE Exploratory Topic—a program run by the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy that supports technologies for gas detection and quantification across the hydrogen supply chain.