Dual-Fuel Plant, Powered by GE Vernova Gas Turbine, Opens in Australia

GE Vernova’s Gas Power division and EnergyAustralia announced the beginning of operation at the Tallawarra B Power Station in New South Wales, Australia. Tallawarra B is powered by GE Vernova’s 9F.05 gas turbine with dual-fuel capabilities for natural gas and green hydrogen. EnergyAustralia plans to operate on a blend of 5% by volume of green hydrogen and natural gas in 2025, which is subject to the development of a hydrogen manufacturing industry of significant size and scale.

“Tallawarra B is the first gas-fired power station built in New South Wales in over 10 years. The new station will play a vital role in the energy transition, providing flexible and reliable energy during periods of peak demand or low supply,” said Mark Collette, Managing Director of EnergyAustralia. “Tallawarra B enables and complements more renewables entering the system as coal-fired power stations retire.”

Tallawarra B Power Station can deliver up to 320 MW of dispatchable power to increase the reliability of the energy grid and ensure New South Wales (NSW) energy consumers have access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable power. Following the closure of the Liddell coal-fired 1,680 MW plant located in the Hunter Valley region in April 2023, the Tallawarra B plant will deliver capacity to partially replace energy that is no longer produced by the former coal plant.

Tallawarra B Power Station; Image Credits: EnergyAustralia

The power station can also provide high operational flexibility needed during peak demand periods. It can start up rapidly when required to stabilize the power grid and utilizes the blend of green hydrogen to decrease the emissions footprint. GE Vernova’s 9F turbine is a dual-fuel unit capable of burning two types of fuel simultaneously. The company will also leverage its expertise with wind turbines, solar and energy storage solutions, grid systems, and power conversion technologies to enable the green hydrogen value chain.

“Tallawarra B Power Station demonstrates the role that gas technologies can play in reducing carbon emissions, ensuring reliable electrical supply, and fighting climate change,” said Ramesh Singaram, President and CEO, Asia of GE Vernova’s Gas Power. “We are committed on delivering reliable, stable, cost-effective energy that supports energy providers, like EnergyAustralia, to assist with developing a hydrogen supply chain and transitioning Australia to a lower carbon future.”

Tallawarra B is located next to EnergyAustralia’s existing Tallawarra A 435 MW gas plant in Yallah, NSW, Australia. For the station, GE Vernova also provided an A78 generator, an exhaust stack with a Plume Dispersion Device, a generator step-up transformer, a Mark VIe control system, and gas turbine accessories packaged in modules. These components reduced on-site installation work while offering simpler, faster serviceability for the plant operator.

GE Vernova’s gas turbine portfolio has the current capability to burn hydrogen levels from 5% to 100% by volume. The company is in the process of developing dry low NOx (DLN) combustor technology for 100% hydrogen fuel, with a goal to have solutions for the portfolio by 2030.