Immediately following GE Vernova’s successful start of operations at the 1.34 GW Huizou gas power plant, owned by state-owned Guangdong Energy Group, has come the start up of the same company’s Dongguan Ningzhou power plant in Guangdong province, China, which achieved a successful start of operations on 24 October. The combined cycle power plant is powered by three 9HA.02 gas turbines and is rated at 2.4 GW, making it one of the largest gas power plants in China. The additions are aligned to local government policy reform in the Greater Bay Area, which is focused on the coal-to-gas energy transition.
China aims to achieve a carbon emissions peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Driven by these goals, the country is committed to reduce coal’s share of its energy mix and expedite the building of efficient gas-powered combined cycle plants like Dongguan Ningzhou.
GE Vernova currently more than 100 gas power plants in China. Its HA technology is believed to offer among the lowest carbon emissions per mass of fuel in the industry, which gives power plant operators an opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.
The Ningzhou plant is said to have a lower emissions impact, with up to 60% less in carbon emissions compared to plants of the same size powered by coal. GE’s H-Class gas turbine portfolio currently has the capability to burn up to 50% by volume of hydrogen when blended with natural gas, with a future technology pathway to 100%.
