GE Vernova’s Gas Power business and EnergyAustralia have announced the opening of the Tallawarra B Power Station, in New South Wales, Australia. Powered by GE’s 9F.05 gas turbine, the plant marks the first dual-fuel capable natural gas/ hydrogen power plant in commercial operation in Australia. It is expected to operate on a blend of 5% (by volume) green hydrogen and natural gas in 2025 subject to the development of a hydrogen manufacturing industry of an appropriate size and scale and is expected to be the first 9F gas turbine to operate on a blend of natural gas and hydrogen globally.
Tallawarra B can deliver up to 320 MW of dispatchable power to strengthen the reliability of the grid. Following the closure in April 2023 of the 1.68 GW coal-fired plant located in the Hunter Valley region after 52 years of operation, the new plant will deliver capacity to partially the output of Liddell. In addition, it can provide the high operational flexibility needed during peak demand periods: the plant can start up rapidly when needed to stabilise the power grid.
“Tallawarra B is the first gas-fired power station built in New South Wales in over 10 years”, said Mark Collette, managing director of EnergyAustralia.
“Gas will continue to play a vital role firming renewables in the energy transition. We are positioning both Tallawarra stations to play a long-term role in New South Wales’ energy future and our own plans to achieve net zero by 2050. We are already investing to enable hydrogen usage at Tallawarra. In 2024, we are investing in an upgrade of Tallawarra A which will improve the capacity and efficiency of the station, while also enabling the use of up to 30% hydrogen as a fuel when it is available commercially”.
