GE Vernova Operates LM6000VELOX Package at Dominion Energy’s Bushy Park

GE Vernova’s package solution—an LM6000 gas turbine and generator—marked the first LM6000VELOX package plant solution in operation globally. It was in 2023 to reduce installation time, by 40%, and costs. The newest upgrades reduce site construction delays.

The company announced the South Carolina-based Bushy Park combustion turbine facility, owned by Dominion Energy, kicked off commercial operation on Nov. 1, 2024.

Bushy Park Combustion Turbine Facility; credit: GE Vernova

“Achieving commercial operation of the Bushy Park project demonstrates our continued commitment to providing safe, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy in the communities we serve,” said Keller Kissam, President of Dominion Energy South Carolina. “Investments in flexible, efficient units are critical to meet growing loads in one of the fastest growing states in the country and complement the large amounts of intermittent solar on our grid.”

The LM6000VELOX package replaced older peaking generation units. The fully dispatchable units also complement solar generation. GE Vernova supplied selective catalytic reduction and oxidation catalyst systems coupled with dry low exhaust combustion.

“This project marks the first time this solution is in operation globally and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone with Dominion Energy,” said Dave Ross, President and CEO for GE Vernova's Gas Power business in the Americas. “This aeroderivative solution can provide dispatchable and lower carbon-emitting power compared to older units, and also important black-start capability necessary for restoring power after a blackout.”

GE Vernova LM6000VELOX; credit: GE Vernova

POWERGEN 2025

Wednesday morning at POWERGEN 2025, keynote speakers discussed the topic: The Role of Gas Turbines in the Clean Energy Transition.They highlighted the rapid development of low-carbon fuel retrofits for gas turbines as representatives from the top gas turbine OEMs discussed the latest technological advancements, positioning gas turbines as key players in the clean energy transition.

Some key themes from this morning's keynote include:

• Hydrogen as a Key Fuel: Advancements in hydrogen combustion technology for gas turbines.
• Bridging the Gap: Gas turbines are positioned as a crucial technology for the energy transition, providing reliability and flexibility while cleaner energy solutions are scaled up.
• Technological Innovation: Significant R&D efforts are focused on developing advanced combustors, carbon-capture technologies, and alternative fuel capabilities.
• Decarbonization Focus: All presenters emphasized strategies and technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of gas turbine power generation.
• Ammonia's Potential: MHI has successfully developed 100% ammonia firing technology, and a partnership is working on an ammonia-based gas turbine.

Fabien Codron, Director, Carbon Solutions - GE Vernova said the company validated a 100% hydrogen-fueled dry low NOx combustor based on micromixer technology for full-scale combustion, which we reported on earlier this year. It demonstrated successful operation on natural gas-hydrogen blends and 100% hydrogen for B- and E-class gas turbines. Dry emissions were below 25 ppm NOx. The new DLN system could be available as early as 2026.

He also discussed NZT Power, the world's first carbon-capture and combined-cycle plant equipped with exhaust gas recirculation.

The project will include a T.EN-designed carbon-capture and CO2 compression plant. GE Vernova's combined-cycle gas turbine power plant including:

• 1 9HA.02 gas turbine: for the 50 Hertz segment featuring high back pressure suitable for a carbon-capture plant
• 1 steam turbine capable of large steam extraction for carbon capture
• 1 generator
• 1 heat recovery steam generator (HRSG)
• Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system
• 16 years CSA contract for the full power train
• 6-year O&M contract covering the entire power plant, including the EGR system.