California's grid bolstered by four GE gas turbines

A TM2500 gas turbine at California's DWR plant. Image courtesy GE.

GE announced that four of its TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines have been ordered, delivered, installed, and commissioned by the State of California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR), the government body responsible for managing the state’s water supply. DWR acted as the State’s procurement agency to implement directives in Governor Gavin Newsom’s emergency proclamation on July 30, 2021 to safeguard the state’s energy grid. GE’s TM2500s will provide up to 120 MW of power in total.

With the recent wildfires and drought conditions, DWR anticipated a power supply shortage as hydropower sources run dry during peak demand season, which could impact the reliability of commercial and residential water supply.

With one of the most stringent emissions regulations in the world, California achieved a rigorous greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40% below 1990 levels four years early. DWR has been proactively responding to the evolving power industry by ensuring system diversity, enhancing reliability, and controlling costs.

GE’s TM2500 is derived from the jet-engine technology powering the world’s airlines and is mounted on a wheeled trailer. The TM2500 engine’s dual fuel capability can operate on liquid fuel or natural gas and the engine with capability of running on 75% hydrogen as a fuel, offering a further pathway to decarbonize these assets in the future.