GE Vernova to Supply LM2500XPRESS Gas Turbines for Australian Power Plant

GE Vernova’s Gas Power business received a purchase order from CS Energy for 12 LM2500XPRESS aeroderivative gas turbines to be installed at the Brigalow Peaking power plant in Queensland, Australia. The plant is expected to generate up to 400 MW of reliable energy supply to ensure and enhance grid stability in accordance with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP). The QEJP outlines energy system transformation efforts in Australia’s Queensland region.

CS Energy’s peaking plant has flexibility, fast-start capability, and the ability to operate in high-demand periods to support solar and wind power generation. Initially, the plant will operate on a 35% green hydrogen blend, with plans to increase the blend to 100% hydrogen by volume over the next decade. Upon the start of commercial operation in 2026, the power station is expected to supply the equivalent electricity consumed on average by more than 150,000 Queensland homes during peak demand periods.

Brigalow Peaking power plant, Queensland, Australia; Image Credits: CS Energy

“The Brigalow Peaking Power Plant will have fast-start capability—taking just five minutes to go from cold to full output,” said Mick de Brenni, Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs. “The Brigalow Peaking Power Plant demonstrates the opportunity for real action on climate change, moving away from fossil-fuels to green hydrogen produced here in Queensland from our sun, wind, and water. We know that green hydrogen has the potential to deliver 10,000 jobs and boost the economy by $33 billion by 2040, and that is why we’re backing this venture.”

The plant will be built at CS Energy’s Kogan Clean Energy Hub, which is currently under development. Green hydrogen will be sourced from the Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant—also located at the Kogan Hub.

“CS Energy is committed to securing a balanced mix of energy sources that can meet our customers’ decarbonization requirements and support the delivery of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan,” said Darren Busine, CEO, CS Energy. “Brigalow Peaking Power Plant can provide the ability for multiple start/stop cycles per day and the ability to ramp up to full power output within few minutes. This project is an example of how we plan to create clean energy hubs at our power stations to deliver the energy mix needed to reliably transition the grid to renewable energy while also providing opportunities for our workforce to reskill.”

The LM2500XPRESS power plant is built on proven GE Vernova LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine technology. This plant is 95% factory assembled into simplified modules for efficient site installation. The plug-and-play capability can provide flexible power when needed, both quickly and efficiently. LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines have cycling capabilities that are engineered for daily starts and stops, offering a flexible solution for grids with high penetration of renewable generation.

GE Vernova will assemble compact LM2500XPRESS units for this project at its Manufacturing Excellence Center in Veresegyhaz, Hungary.