The South Australian Government has marked a significant milestone in the Hydrogen Jobs Plan by nominating GE Vernova as the preferred supplier for its world-leading turbines, which will be run on 100 per cent hydrogen.
The State Government has engaged an early contract involvement agreement with consortium partners ATCO Australia and BOC to deliver the Hydrogen Jobs Plan – which will include hydrogen production, power generation, and storage at Whyalla, in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
This agreement includes the procurement of critical equipment such as 100 per cent run hydrogen turbines for power generation.
A hallmark for the project, the four GE Vernova aeroderivative LM6000VELOX turbine generators, each equipped with LM6000 turbines, are expected to run on 100 per cent renewable hydrogen, generated onsite by 250MWe electrolysers.
GE Vernova’s Gas Power is a world leader in natural gas power technology, services, and solutions, with the world’s largest installed base of gas turbines and more than 670 million operating hours across its fleet.
Offering rapid-start capabilities, the gas turbines ensure flexible power when it is needed quickly.
The turbines are engineered for regular starts and stops, providing a strong, flexible solution for grids, like South Australia’s, that experience a high penetration of renewable generation.
Set to commence operations early 2026, the hydrogen facility will harness South Australia’s surplus renewable energy, generated by large-scale wind and solar farms, to produce renewable hydrogen.
This renewable will be stored and used to power the turbines injecting renewable energy back into South Australia’s electricity grid during periods when wind isn’t blowing and sun isn’t shining.
The facility will help further South Australia’s already nation-leading penetration of renewables, which generated a record 74 per cent of the state’s electricity needs in 2022-23.
The facility will also provide hydrogen offtake opportunities for local industries looking to decarbonise their operations.
The ECI for the project will continue into the second quarter of 2024 focussing on detailed project and engineering design, procurement of critical equipment, finalising contracting arrangements, and cost estimations.
Backed by a $593 million state government investment, the Hydrogen Jobs Plan will position the Upper Spencer Gulf region into a clean energy hub, cementing South Australia’s status as a leader in the global transition towards sustainable energy transition.
Peter Malinauskas said, “GE Vernova is one of the most recognisable brands in the world, and as a supplier of power infrastructure, has a strong reputation.
More importantly, GE Vernova is capable of producing turbines that can operate at 100 per cent capacity on pure, renewable hydrogen.
This means we can maximise our incredible renewable resource, and put it to productive use boosting electricity supply across our state.”
Tom Koutsantonis said, “The State Government has held fruitful and productive talks with GE Vernova and we’re pleased to confirm the international energy company as the preferred supplier for the turbines that will power the Hydrogen Jobs Plan.
This is indicative of the global significance of this project, which will underpin our state prosperity mission.”
Ramesh Singaram, President/ CEO – Asia, Gas Power, GE Vernova said, “We are honoured to be considered to provide our world-class technology for the Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan to support affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity for homes and businesses in South Australia.”
About GE Vernova
GE Vernova is a planned, purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification businesses and is supported by its accelerator businesses of Advanced Research, Consulting Services, and Financial Services. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 80,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. GE Vernova’s Gas Power business engineers advanced, efficient natural gas-powered technologies and services, along with decarbonization solutions that aim to help electrify a lower carbon future.
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