Illawarra, New South Wales, Australia – GE Vernova Gas Power and EnergyAustralia today announced the commissioning of the Tallawarra B power station in New South Wales, Australia.
The Taravala B power station is operated by the 9F. of GE Vernova05 gas turbine power, markedAustralia's first commercially operated dual-fuel natural gas hydrogen power plant.
Based on the development of hydrogen manufacturing at an appropriate scale, EnergyAustralia expects to use 5% (by volume) of a blend of green hydrogen and natural gas by 2025.
The Tarawala B is expected to be the world's first 9F gas turbine to run on a blend of natural gas and hydrogen.
The Tarawala B station can provide up to 320 MW of dispatchable power to strengthen grid reliability and help ensure NSW energy consumers continue to have access to affordable, reliable and more sustainable electricity.
The Liddell 1680 MW coal-fired power plant in the Hunter Valley region was shut down in April 2023 after 52 years of operation, and the Tarawala B power plant will provide some capacity to replace the energy that the Riddell coal-fired power plant no longer produces.
In addition, Tarawala B can provide the high operational flexibility needed during peak demand periods: plants can be quickly started up when a stable grid is needed and utilize a blend of green hydrogen to reduce its emissions footprint.
Mark Collette, managing director of EnergyAustralia, said: "Tarawalla B is the first gas-fired power station to be built in NSW in more than 10 years.
The new power plants will play a vital role in the energy transition, providing flexible and reliable energy during periods of peak or insufficient demand. With the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants, Tarawala B brings more renewable energy into the system and is replenished.
Natural gas will continue to play an important role in the energy transition, consolidating renewable energy. We position the Tarawala Station as a long-term role in NSW's energy future and our own plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Our goal is green hydrogen to achieve zero-emission flexibility in Tarawala. We have invested in enabling hydrogen fuel in Tarawala. In 2024, we will invest in an upgrade to Tarawala-A, which will increase the capacity and efficiency of the station, while also enabling the commercial use of up to 30% hydrogen as fuel. ”
The 9F turbine is a dual-fuel unit capable of burning two types of fuel at the same time. In addition to its industry-leading gas turbine experience, GE Vernova has deep expertise in wind turbines, solar and energy storage solutions, grid systems and power conversion technologies, all of which are key elements in enabling the (green) hydrogen value chain.
Ramesh Singaram, President and CEO of GE Vernova Gas & Power Asia, said: "The Taravala B power station demonstrates the substantial role that natural gas technology can play in reducing carbon emissions, ensuring reliable power** and combating climate change. ”
We are committed to providing reliable, stable and cost-effective energy, supporting energy providers such as EnergyAustralia to help develop the hydrogen chain and transition Australia to a low-carbon future. ”
The Tarawala B power station is located next to Energy Australia's existing 435 MW Talawala A gas plant, in Yarra on the west shore of Lake Illawarra in New South Wales, about 8 miles southwest of the city of Wollongong.
For the project, GE Vernova also supplied an A78 generator, an exhaust stack with an innovative plump, a generator step-up transformer, a Mark* VIE control system, and gas turbine accessories that were packaged in modules, reducing on-site installation efforts while providing the plant operator with simpler, faster repair capabilities.
GE Vernova's gas turbine portfolio is currently capable of burning 5%-100% (volume fraction) of hydrogen.
With more than 450 orders for GE Vernova 9F gas turbines on order since first entering commercial operation in 1991, the GE Vernova 9F fleet has amassed more than 24 million burn hours in more than 40 countries including Europe, China, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America.
GE Vernova is developing dry low-NOx burner technology for 100% hydrogen fuel, with the goal of providing solutions for this portfolio by 2030.
GE Electric has been present in Australia for more than 120 years. In Australia, GE Vernova has more than 140 gas turbines in operation, helping to meet demanding local requirements with fast start-up, lower costs and greater flexibility. Existing and future natural gas power plants can reduce carbon emissions by using hydrogen as a fuel.