GE Vernova Upgrades GT26 Gas Turbines at Dublin Bay Power Plant

The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) of Ireland contracted GE Vernova to execute a life extension and modernization project at the Dublin Bay power plant, installing its GT26 high-efficiency upgrade and SEMIPOL, static excitation equipment (SEE), and startup frequency converter (SFC) technology. The project intends to improve performance, reliability, output, and support Ireland’s energy transition goals. Completion is slated for 2026.

Brought online in 2002, the Dublin Bay power plant generates up to 415 MW with a single-shaft GT26 gas turbine. In addition to aligning with ESB’s Net-Zero by 2040 strategy, the project will deliver:

• Up to 30 MW of additional power, equivalent to the annual electricity needs of approximately 30,000 Irish homes
• 1.8% efficiency gains at baseload
• 5% reduction in CO₂ emissions
• Improved grid stability via excitation and frequency conversion systems
• Low-carbon intensity to support ESB’s decarbonization plan and the future integration of hydrogen fuel blends

“Although Dublin Bay is already one of our most efficient plants, we saw an opportunity in having an even more important role in delivering our Net-Zero carbon emissions strategy by further enhancing its performance, reliability and sustainability,” said Arkadiusz Galant, Dublin Stations Manager, ESB. “Our life-extension project in 2026 will help us to deliver more power, allowing us to provide electricity for Irish households over the next decade while being more efficient with lower emissions and enabling possible future hydrogen blends.”

Dublin Bay Power Station | Image Credit: ESB

Launched in 2019 to support the GT26 gas turbine, the upgrade leverages technology from GE Vernova’s F- and H-class turbine fleets, including additively manufactured parts and advanced aerodynamics, materials, and combustion. The high-efficiency package pairs well with updated GT26 components, such as the turbine, compressor, and combustor, helping to decrease fuel costs while increasing full-load output and extending maintenance intervals.

“This project builds on our long-standing partnership with ESB,” said Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Vernova's Gas Power in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “The GT26 high-efficiency upgrade and SEMIPOL technologies will not only increase output and efficiency but also provide the flexibility and reliability needed to support Ireland’s evolving energy landscape.”

Ansaldo Energia’s GT26 gas turbine fleet includes over 100 units across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, delivering approximately 37 GW of power capacity and can burn up to 40% of hydrogen with natural gas.

Combining SEMIPOL, SEE, and SFC conversion systems enables generator startups in gas-fired power plants, grid-generator synchronization, and manages the effects of grid power and frequency variation. In addition to seamless startups, the technology reduces mechanical stress, extends equipment life, and lowers maintenance costs.

Modernization in Puerto Rico

In late June 2025, GE Vernova secured an order for six of its LM2500 XPRESS aeroderivative gas turbine packages from RG Engineering to modernize the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority power plants at Daguao, Jobos, and Yabucoa, which are managed by the private operator Genera PR.

Puerto Rico faces significant energy challenges, largely due to natural disasters. The new units are projected to deliver approximately 244 MW in total, creating a more robust energy system that supports potential peak summer demand and provides emergency power when necessary.