Tongyeong Plant Enters Operation with GE Vernova’s H-Class Equipment Package

Tongyeong Eco Power’s combined-cycle power plant began commercial operation in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. GE Vernova outfitted the plant with its HA equipment and signed a 17-year maintenance service contract for turbines and generators and delivered:

• Two 7HA.02 gas turbines
• One STF-D600 steam turbine
• Two heat recovery steam generators
• Three H65 generators

“We are honored to support Hyundai Development Co.’s Tongyeong Eco Power in its approach to providing more efficient power and thermal energy from LNG” said Ramesh Singaram, President and CEO, Asia of GE Vernova’s Gas Power. “The start of commercial operation of Tongyeong Combined Cycle Plant marks a significant achievement that underlines our commitment to delivering efficient energy solutions in a country where power generation is reliant on heavy fossil fuels, with coal and oil covering nearly 60% of power needs, according to IEA estimates."

The Tongyeong power plant, located in Anjeong Industrial Park, is a 1-GW LNG-fueled site with one 200,000 m³ LNG storage tank. It provides the equivalent electricity required to power approximately one million South Korean households.

Tongyeong power plant; image credit: Tongyeong Eco Power

HA Gas Turbines

GE Vernova’s HA gas turbines can burn multiple fuels including blends of hydrogen and natural gas, offering many pathways to minimize CO₂ emissions. For example, the turbines can save more than 3.3 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year, per unit compared to an average coal-fired plant of the same size—equivalent to eliminating approximately 680,000 cars from the road.

According to GE Vernova’s simulation, South Korean H-class units could reduce the fossil fleet’s carbon emission intensity more than three-fold per kWh. This simulation is contingent on coal plants being retired and newer HA technology being deployed in South Korea.

“GE Vernova is committed to bring more affordable, reliable and sustainable power generation technology to South Korea and we are confident that the adoption of GE Vernova’s advanced HA technology, combined with their total plant services offering, will play a role in moving the country towards becoming an energy self-reliant nation,” said Tongyeong Eco Power.

GE Vernova in South Korea

The company also supplied HA gas turbines to two major projects in South Korea, helping the country transition from coal-burning power plants to LNG assets. The additional projects include:

• Naepo Green Energy: The new district heating plant is powered by GE Vernova’s 7HA.02 gas turbine and a STF-D650 steam turbine.
• Korea Southern Power: The Shinsejong combined-cycle power plant is equipped with a 7HA.03 gas turbine.

LNG power, in addition to supporting the energy transition, will assist the development of renewable energy resources like wind and solar.

Additional Plant News

In late October, Polska Grupa Energetyczna’s 1.4-GW Gryfino Dolna Odra power plant entered commercial operation following the delivery and installment of GE Vernova’s HA combined-cycle equipment. Located in Poland’s Western Pomerania region, the plant was built by Polimex Mostostal and will provide the electricity equivalent to power three million Polish households. GE Vernova also signed a 12-year service agreement to manage the project lifecycle, training, and maintenance, supporting operational performance and reliability.