GE Vernova on 26 April announced it has secured an order for 16 of its aeroderivative LM6000VELOX package solutions, each including an LM6000 gas turbine and a generator, to be installed at Tennessee Valley Authority’s Kingston Energy Complex on the Clinch River arm of Watts Bar Reservoir near Kingston, Tennessee. The new units are expected to deliver a flexible supply of up to 850 MWe to help enhance the reliability of the energy grid.
The LM6000VELOX packages, expected to start operation in 2028, feature dual-fuel capability to flexibly operate on natural gas or on liquid fuels, if needed. In addition, the DLE combustor configuration is capable to meeting stringent environmental regulations, meeting emissions limits that comply with the regional air district requirements and avoiding water consumption for NOx emissions abatement.
TVA has reduced emissions by 57 % from 2005 levels. Nearly 60% of its power comes from carbon-free sources including nuclear, hydropower, storage, and solar.
The LM6000 gas turbines are said to be well-known in the power generation industry for their quick start time – as little as 5 minutes to full power – and high cyclic life helping to complement intermittent power from renewable sources, and operational flexibility that can help stabilise the grid and reduce the risk of electricity supply shortages.
With over 40 million operating hours and an installed base of nearly 1300 across approximately 60 countries, these turbines have more operating experience than any other aeroderivative gas turbine greater than 40 MW.
GE Vernova launched an enhanced LM6000VELOX package in October 2023. It features refinements aimed at reducing site construction time for power generation utilities, EPCs, and other industry stakeholders, and includes a quick package installation in a simple cycle configuration, with an expected reduced installation and commissioning schedule and consequent lower costs.
