First GE Vernova Aeroderivative Gas Turbine Operates on 100% Hydrogen

GE Vernova’s LM6000 gas turbine will operate on 100% renewable hydrogen, what the company is calling, a “first of its kind” turbine solution. The aeroderivative is part of its LM6000VELOX package, and per an order with ATCO Australia, will deliver four LM6000VELOX units to the Whyalla hydrogen power plant in Australia. Commissioning is slated to begin in early 2026.

Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business, said the company has been investing in R&D over the years to redesign its combustion systems to operate on various blends of hydrogen. “We are proud to unveil our first 100% hydrogen-ready aeroderivative gas turbine solution to support our customers’ decarbonization goals while maintaining grid reliability, which requires deploying renewable and conventional power technology in tandem,” Gray said. “The South Australian Government, through our project partner ATCO Australia, selected GE Vernova as the preferred equipment supplier for its Hydrogen Jobs Plan, and we are honored to work with ATCO Australia and BOC in this project, which is a step in support of South Australia’s renewable energy future.”

The Whyalla hydrogen power plant will deliver flexible power, additional grid stability, and consistent supply output for South Australian homes and businesses by leveraging spare renewable energy produced via large-scale wind and solar farms. It may provide a combined capacity of up to 200 MW, meeting local electricity demand when renewable energy sources enter intermittency periods.

Whyalla hydrogen power plant; image credit: OHPSA

“With more than 70% of energy generated from renewable resources, South Australia is set to become a global leader in producing and utilizing renewable hydrogen and we are delighted to be part of this project that can unlock decarbonization opportunities,” said John Ivulich, CEO and Country Chair, ATCO Australia. “By deploying GE Vernova’s first-of-its-kind aeroderivative solution, able to operate on 100% hydrogen, we will support South Australia’s continued energy transition and decarbonization journey, in alignment with the state’s goals outlined in the Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan.”

The four LM6000VELOX units will be powered by renewable hydrogen produced at the Whyalla complex. Upon completion, Whyalla will include large-scale hydrogen production and storage plants.

“GE Vernova has a proven reputation as a supplier of power infrastructure,” said the Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas. “More importantly, GE Vernova is capable of producing turbines that can operate at 100% capacity on hydrogen. This means we can harness South Australia’s renewable resources and put it to productive use, helping develop a more sustainable electricity supply across our state.”

More GE Vernova News

Yesterday, GE Vernova acquired Woodward’s heavy-duty gas turbine combustion parts business located in Greenville, SC. Per the definitive agreement, GE Vernova will obtain all assets at Woodward’s Greenville site, which is focused on supplying parts and services for the company’s gas turbine manufacturing operations and supports its investments in United States manufacturing, jobs, and domestic supply chain. The transaction is expected to close in early 2025.

GE Vernova’s Advanced Research segment was also chosen by the Department of Energy (DOE) to receive an award under the H2SENSE Exploratory Topic—a program run by the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy that supports technologies for gas detection and quantification across the hydrogen supply chain.