Ohio combined cycle plant adds 1 GW to the grid

South Field Energy. Image courtesy of GE.

Territory Generation has ordered a GE trailer mounted, hydrogen capable TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine for its Channel Island Power Station near Darwin. The 22 MW unit will help to further stabilize the Darwin-Katherine interconnected system, which serves communities and businesses across areas including Darwin, Palmerston, Berry Springs, Katherine, and the Cox Peninsula. The unit is compatible with the incoming Darwin-Katherine battery energy storage system and will support the integration and growth of renewables in the Northern Territory.

“Territory Generation sought technology to modernize our current fleet that struggles to meet changing grid demands and low power system loads. We plan for the TM2500 to be the first of multiple units to be deployed over the next five years as existing units near their end of life” said Gerhard Laubscher Territory Generation CEO. “At this stage, the TM2500 generator’s operational flexibility makes it the best fit to firm up the growing renewables base in the Northern Territory.”

The TM2500 gas turbine generator sets can run on different fuel sources to allow plant operators to use the least expensive and most readily available fuel, with expanding fuel capability to meet their needs over time. Any units configured with a Dry Low Emissions (DLE) combustion system are limited to 5% by volume hydrogen. Increased concentrations are allowed with the Single Annular Combustor (SAC) configuration, up to 75% by volume of hydrogen when blended with natural gas. This capability varies depending on the type of combustion system used. GE is working on expanding this capability through testing in its combustion laboratory.