GE Introduces Enhanced Emission Reduction Technologies for LM2500XPRESS Gas Turbines

GE has revealed a new range of emission-reduction technologies for its LM2500XPRESS aeroderivative gas turbines, following successful installations at facilities in Colorado. This update follows GE's recent breakthrough in achieving over 90% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, surpassing the World Bank Emissions Standard at the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) sites in Yuba City and Roseville, where four TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines are deployed.

COR emissions control technologies, known for their efficiency in controlling CO emissions, have been installed on GE LM2500XPRESS turbines at Colorado Spring Utilities’ Martin Drake Power Plant.

"This project marks the first installations of COR emissions control technologies on a GE LM2500XPRESS units globally, a further demonstration of our momentum to provide fast, flexible, and now more sustainable power through our leading aeroderivative gas technology," said Aman Joshi, General Manager at GE Gas Power’s Aeroderivative Business.

Six GE LM2500XPRESS aeroderivative gas turbines at Colorado Spring Utilities' community-owned Martin Drake Power Plant are now fitted with the COR emissions control technology, expected to reduce CO emissions by up to 50%. These units were purchased in 2021 to support the increased use of renewable solar and wind power and accelerate the retirement of the company’s coal-fired power plant.

Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer at Colorado Spring Utilities, said: "Compared to the high operations and maintenance costs to keep a 100-year-old, coal-fueled power plant running, these new natural gas generating units are efficient, offer low emissions, are dual fuel capable, can start up quickly, occupy a small footprint, and provide significant operational cost savings."

The 34 MW LM2500XPRESS units equipped with an advanced dry low emission combustion system and an oxidation catalyst are anticipated to reduce CO emissions down to approximately 6 ppm. Additionally, SCR systems are now globally available for the GE LM25000XPRESS aeroderivative gas turbine fleet, offering over 90% reduction in both CO and NOx emissions.

Colorado Springs Utilities provides electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater services to the Pikes Peak region.