South Korean Power Plant Starts Operation with GE Vernova Turbomachinery, Commissioning its 100th HA Gas Turbine Globally

Korea Southern Power Co. (KOSPO) started operation at the Shinsejong combined-cycle power plant in Sejong Multifunctional Administrative City, South Korea using GE Vernova’s 7HA.03 gas turbine. The combined-cycle plant represents GE Vernova’s 100th HA-class commissioning and the first 7HA.03 gas turbine in South Korea.

“Demand for electricity is on the rise, and we expect it to continue to accelerate,” said Eric Gray, CEO at GE Vernova’s Gas Power business. “Highly efficient HA gas power plants can play a crucial role in balancing energy transition commitments with electricity reliability. Many HA combined-cycle power plants facilitate the coal-to-gas transition and provide the necessary power to balance the variable nature of renewables, helping to ensure energy system reliability and grid stability.”

HA gas turbines, per unit, can save more than 3.3 metrics tons of CO₂ emissions per year compared to a coal-fired plant of the same size. According to GE Vernova’s simulation, H-class units in South Korea could reduce the fossil fleet’s carbon emissions intensity by more than three times per kwH. HA-class combined-cycle power plants emit 50-60% less CO₂ compared to coal-fired plants, in addition to lower NOx and particulate matter, zero mercury, and no SOx.

The HA-class fleet is fuel-flexible with a variety of fuels, including hydrogen-natural gas blends. These combined-cycle plants can be retrofitted with a carbon-capture system to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 95%.

Rendering of Shinsejong combined-cycle power plant; Image Credits: GE Vernova

“We’re thrilled to celebrate with KOSPO, and with all our customers and employees, this latest milestone for our HA fleet, which is helping power plant operators increase efficiency, retire coal-fired facilities to reduce emissions, and integrate greater levels of renewable energy globally,” said Gray. “Beyond the benefits of the HA fleet, multi-decade services and maintenance contracts can ensure continued performance enhancements and efficient operations for power plant customers.”

With this technology, the Shinsejong plant can generate power with lower NOx emissions of three parts per million at the main stack with a flue gas aftertreatment system. The plant will generate power to sell at Korea Power Exchange and district heating for Sejong City. In alignment with South Korea’s goal of carbon-neutrality by 2050, KOSPO will use the HA unit to meet the increasing demand for heat, air conditioning, and electricity.

In July 2024, the Guangdong Huizhou combined-heat-and-power (CHP) plant entered commercial operation with two GE Vernova hydrogen-ready 9HA.01 combined-cycle units. Within the next two years, both gas turbines are expected to burn up to 10% by volume of hydrogen blended with natural gas.

This project represents the first localized 9HA.01 gas turbine manufactured in China by General Harbin Electric Gas Turbine Co. In 2019, GE and Harbin Electric formed the joint venture as an effort to specialize in heavy-duty gas turbine localization, delivering support for Chinese gas power plants—this includes those operating on blends of natural gas and hydrogen. Harbin Electric supplied steam turbine, generator, and balance-of-plant equipment for the CHP plant.

Previously, GEG received two GE Vernova 9F.05 gas turbines for the Xinhui power plant that achieved commercial operation in 2018. GE Vernova also supports the Dongguan Ningzhou plant’s transition from coal to gas power. GEG selected three 9HA.02 turbines and Harbin Electric’s steam turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment for the combined-cycle power plant.