GE Vernova, Iberdrola Begin Commercial Operation at Topolobampo III Plant

GE Vernova’s Gas Power business and Iberdrola Mexico have announced the successful start of commercial operation at the Topolobampo III power plant in Sinaloa, Mexico, in proximity of the Topolobampo natural gas pipeline. The plant is powered by GE Vernova’s H-class combined-cycle equipment, which includes the first 7HA.01 gas turbines ordered in Mexico. Highly efficient and digitally enabled, the combined-cycle power plant will support Mexico’s grid and renewable growth.

“Iberdrola has always been working on more sustainable power generation with a focus on investing in a portfolio of renewable energy, supported by efficient gas power,” said Enrique Alba, CEO, Iberdrola Mexico. “Flexibility is essential for incorporating renewable energy sources into the grid like wind and solar power and GE Vernova’s H-Class equipment, at the heart of our Topolobampo III power plant, is crucial to support the growth of renewables power generation in Mexico.”

Topolobampo III generates up to 766 MW of power, which is the equivalent energy required to supply more than 1.6 million Mexican homes. The plant uses two 7HA.01 gas turbines, a D650 steam turbine, three H53 generators, and advanced control systems. GE Vernova’s integrated Mark VIe distributed control system (DCS) allows the use of real-time to deliver stable and efficient operations. This equipment package will help Iberdrola improve asset visibility, reliability, and availability while reducing operating and maintenance costs.

Topolobampo III combined-cycle power plant, Sinaloa, Mexico; Image Credits: Iberdrola Mexico

“In Mexico, GE Vernova continues to support the progress of the country's energy goals, working alongside our long-term customer Iberdrola. As the demand for electricity in Mexico continues to grow at a rapid pace, our HA technology, extended scope products, and advanced digital capabilities are helping to transform the way future demands are met by delivering more reliable, efficient and flexible power to the country,” said Dave Ross, President and CEO for GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in the Americas. “We are proud to be part of this exciting project, which marks the first order for our 7HA.01 technology in Mexico. The 7HA gas turbine was engineered to be extremely efficient and flexible to help lower emissions and meet fluctuating demand. We expect continued efficiency gains in the years to come.”

In addition to H-class combined-cycle equipment, two heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) were supplied by CERREY—GE Vernova’s local HRSG technology licensee. The 7HA.01 gas turbine can start and provide full power in less than 10 minutes, offering flexibility to support varying grid demands. It also has the capability to burn hydrogen when blended with natural gas. GEIQ is GE Vernova’s advanced engineering center in Queretaro, Mexico, which will provide engineering support for the project.