GE Vernova’s 9HA.02 Gas Turbines Power Chinese Combined-Cycle Plant

Guangdong Energy Group’s (GEG) Dongguan Ningzhou combined-cycle power plant entered operation in Guangdong province, China, with GE Vernova’s H-class technology. The plant is powered by three 9HA.02 gas turbines and is expected to add up to 2.4 GW of power to China’s national grid, in addition to the 1.34 GW of power already provided by the HA-equipped Huizhou power plant. The Dongguan Ningzhou project is aligned with China’s Greater Bay Area policy to focus on the coal-to-gas energy transition.

“Dongguan Ningzhou plant plays a role in supporting a lower-carbon and more sustainable power generation in the Guangdong province, north of Hong Kong in the Greater Bay Area,” said Xu Xin, Gas Power Services China ITR Leader, GE Vernova. “We celebrated today the start of the operation of one of the largest gas plants in China. This plant will help boost the transition from coal to gas power generation to lower emissions. This milestone was achieved on time and safely, with high standards of quality, also thanks to the collaboration with our local partner, Harbin Electric, who provided steam turbine, generator, and balance-of-plant equipment.”

Leveraging natural gas via GE Vernova’s H-class technology, GEG’s power plant has a lower emissions impact with up to 60% less carbon emissions compared to similarly sized plants powered by coal. Also, the company’s H-class gas turbines can burn up to 50% by volume of hydrogen when paired with natural gas, with an upcoming technology pathway to 100% hydrogen combustion. GEG, utilizing 9HA.02 turbines, can additionally reduce fuel consumption.

“GE Vernova has long been our company of choice when transitioning our power plants from coal to natural gas and we trust that in the future GE Vernova technology will help transition to nearly net-zero carbon emissions,” said a representative from GEG.

GE Vernova’s Plant News

Earlier this month at a ceremony held in Dubai, GE Vernova and Mass Group Holding announced progress on the modernization of Iraq’s largest power plant—the 4.5 MW Besmaya Power Plant in Baghdad. GE Vernova completed Phase 1 AGP upgrades on four 9F.04 gas turbines and began Phase 2 AGP upgrades on four additional 9F.04 units. The companies also announced an eight-year services agreement to support Phase 3, which includes four GE Vernova 9F gas turbines. The Phase 3 service agreement was signed in Q2 2024 and adds to prior operations and maintenance and long-term service agreements secured by GE Vernova for Phases 1 and 2.

GE Vernova’s 9F AGP upgrades at Besmaya deliver operational flexibility, enhanced efficiency, and availability, as well as improved power output by up to 6%. It also increases fuel-consumption efficiency and extends asset lifespan. With Phase 2 completion expected in Q1 2025, the eight 9F turbines may reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 477,000 metric tons per year for the same level of power generation.

Also in October, the Kansai Electric Power Co. ordered three GE Vernova 7HA.03 gas turbines to be installed at the Nanko power station in Osaka, Japan. The 7HA.03 equipment will replace aging conventional LNG power generation assets, consisting of three boilers and three steam turbines. It will increase power plant efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions, and, in addition, GE Vernova will provide field services.