GE's HE Upgrade to Boost Tallawarra A’s Plant Performance in Australia
Tallawarra A power plant to see 40 MW increase in performance with GE's HE upgrade
General Electric (GE) has secured a contract to upgrade the GT26 gas turbine fleet in Australia, focusing on modernizing EnergyAustralia's Tallawarra A power plant in New South Wales with GE's high-efficiency (HE) upgrade solution. The upgrade is expected to increase the turbine's performance by nearly 40 MW, addressing the growing energy demand in the region following the closure of the Liddell coal-fired plant.
Caption: GE’s HE upgrade for GT26 gas turbines. Credit: GE
The plant in New South Wales requires fast-start gas-fired generation to support renewables growth as coal plants phase out of operations. Before the Tallawarra A gas-fired power station commenced operations in January 2009, the site was a 320 MW coal-fired power station that operated between 1954 -1989. Now, it is a combined-cycle station with fast-start capability, which produces less carbon emissions than conventional coal-fired power stations. Showcasing a generation capacity of 440 MW, the plant has the potential to supply power to approximately 200,000 Australian households.
GE's HE upgrade for the GT26 gas turbine merges technology from its F and H class fleets with additive manufactured components and innovations in aerodynamics, material science, and combustion dynamics. This upgrade will deliver performance improvements, including reducing fuel costs, increasing full-load output, and extending maintenance intervals up to 44,000 equivalent operating hours for a typical daily start-and-stop operating profile.
“We recognize the value of constantly evolving technology. With this innovative upgrade, Tallawarra A will benefit from improved efficiency and reduce carbon emitted per MWh, in line with our goals to accelerate the clean energy transition” said Michael Heazlewood EnergyAustralia project leader for the HE Upgrade.
Aiming to utilize gas that can be further decarbonized with hydrogen and hydrogen-blended fuels, the upgrade aligns with Australia's energy transition goals. The upgraded power plant is expected to be operational by mid 2024.
The successful implementation of GE's HE upgrade at the Tallawarra A power plant will not only enhance its efficiency but also provide a more reliable energy source to the region. This project underscores the importance of investing in advanced technologies and upgrading existing power generation infrastructure.
