GE Vernova and EnergyAustralia announce opening of dual-fuel capable power plant

Powered by GE Vernova’s 9F.05 gas turbine, Tallawarra B Power Station is the first dual-fuel capable natural gas/hydrogen power plant in commercial operation in Australia. EnergyAustralia is expected to operate on a blend of 5% (by volume) green hydrogen and natural gas in 2025 subject to the development of a hydrogen manufacturing industry of an appropriate size and scale. Tallawarra B is expected to be the first 9F gas turbine to operate on a blend of natural gas and hydrogen globally.

Tallawarra B Power Station can deliver up to 320 MW of dispatchable power to strengthen the reliability of the energy grid and help ensure New South Wales (NSW) energy consumers have continued access to affordable, reliable, and more sustainable power.

Following the closure of the Liddell coal-fired 1680 MW plant located in the Hunter Valley region after 52 years of operation in April 2023, the Tallawara B plant will deliver capacity to partially replace the energy that is no longer produced by the Liddell coal-fired plant. In addition, Tallawara B can provide the high operational flexibility needed during peak demand periods: the plant can start up rapidly when needed to stabilise the power grid and utilises a blend of green hydrogen to decrease its emissions footprint.

“Tallawarra B is the first gas-fired power station built in NSW in over 10 years. The new station will play a vital role in the energy transition, providing flexible and reliable energy during periods of peak demand or low supply. Tallawarra B enables and complements more renewables entering the system as coal-fired power stations retire. Gas will continue to play a vital role in firming renewables in the energy transition. We are positioning both Tallawarra stations to play a long-term role in NSW’ energy future and our own plans to achieve net zero by 2050. Our ambition is for green hydrogen to be part of the fuel mix at Tallawarra A in 2025, enabling zero-emissions flexible capacity," said Mark Collette, Managing Director of EnergyAustralia.

“Tallawarra B Power Station demonstrates the substantive role that gas technologies can play in reducing carbon emissions, ensuring reliable electrical supply, and fighting climate change,” said Ramesh Singaram, President and CEO, Asia of GE Vernova’s Gas Power. “We are committed on delivering reliable, stable, cost-effective energy that supports energy providers, like EnergyAustralia, to assist with developing a hydrogen supply chain and transitioning Australia to a lower carbon future”.

Tallawarra B Power Station is located next to EnergyAustralia’s existing Tallawarra A 435 MW gas plant, in Yallah on the western shore of Lake Illawarra, approximately eight miles southwest of the city of Wollongong.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/19022024/ge-vernova-and-energyaustralia-announce-opening-of-dual-fuel-capable-power-plant/