GE Vernova Supplies 16 LM6000VELOX Packages for Kingston Energy Complex

GE Vernova received an order from TVA for 16 aeroderivative LM6000VELOX packages, each containing an LM6000 gas turbine and a generator, for installation at the Kingston Energy Complex on the Clinch River. The packages are expected to supply up to 850 MW of electricity, enhancing energy grid reliability and granting TVA’s consumers continuous access to affordable power.

“The Kingston Energy Complex highlights the way diverse generation works together to ensure TVA can provide more reliable, resilient and affordable power,” said TVA Chief Operating Officer Don Moul. “These aeroderivative units will help us meet demand during peak energy usage and supplement solar generation on days when sunshine is limited.”

Aerial rendering of Kingston Energy Complex; Image Credits: TVA

The LM6000VELOX units are slated to begin operation in 2028 and include dual-fuel capability to run on natural gas or liquid fuels when required. The dry low emissions (DLE) combustor configuration can meet emissions limits in compliance with the regional air district requirements and avoids water consumption for NOx emissions abatement. LM6000 gas turbines also have a quick start-up time, taking only five minutes to reach full power, and a high cyclic life to complement intermittent power from renewable sources. Its operational flexibility helps to stabilize the grid and reduce the risk of electricity supply shortages.

“This milestone project marks GE Vernova’s commitment to supporting TVA’s efforts to ensure affordability and reliability of electricity while focusing on more efficient and sustainable energy generation," said Dave Ross, President of GE Vernova’s Gas Power in the Americas region. “TVA is actively integrating more renewables into the system, investing in new technologies, and retiring older, less efficient generation and they are doing this in a holistic way that helps to ensure affordability, reliability, and resiliency for their 10 million customers.”

GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX package includes features to reduce site construction time for power generation utilities, EPCs, and additional industry stakeholders. The package can be quickly installed in a simple cycle configuration, reducing the commissioning schedule and associated costs. LM6000 gas turbines offer more than 99% start and operational reliability and over 98% availability.

The package was first announced in October 2023 and GE Vernova completed the initial installation in November at TVA’s Johnsonville aeroderivative plant. The LM6000VELOX package will reduce the installation and commissioning schedule of LM6000 gas turbines by up to 40%, eliminating up to 4,000 labor hours and minimizing installation cost and duration.

“This technology will be a first for TVA’s fleet of natural gas plants,” said Justin McBath, Sr. Project Manager of the Johnsonville aeroderivative combustion turbine plant project. “We have received 6 of the 10 total units that will be operating at Johnsonville, with final delivery expected in December 2023. These units will help us quickly meet demand during peak energy usage and will supplement solar generation on days when sunshine is limited.”

GE Vernova developed the LM6000VELOX package at its manufacturing center in Veresegyház, Hungary, adopting simplicity and speed of installation from the company’s previous LM2500XPRESS package. The unit has a modular mounted air filter with a simplified structure, as well as a base mounted generator and gearbox to reduce foundation labor. The number of unit accessories has been reduced by 50% upon shipment.