SA Premier Peter Malinauskas (centre) signs the agreement with ATCO Australia and GE Vernova officials at COP29. Photo: SA Govt.
The South Australian Government has signed an agreement with energy and infrastructure supplier ATCO Australia to supply a first-of-its-kind, advanced, aeroderivative gas turbine solution, capable of running on 100 per cent renewable hydrogen for the new Whyalla hydrogen power plant.
The agreement was signed at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku Azerbaijan.
The government says it solidifies the state’s role as a global leader in renewable energy and progresses its Hydrogen Jobs Plan by introducing future-ready, zero-emission power generation technology.
The Whyalla hydrogen power plant will be powered by GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX aeroderivative gas turbines, which have been engineered to be capable to run on 100 per cent renewable hydrogen fuel. ATCO Australia has ordered four LM6000VELOX units from GE Vernova, and these are scheduled to be commissioned in early 2026.
The LM6000 is derived from the the CF6-80C 2 jet engine which powers a range of commercial passenger and military transport aircraft, including the Airbus A330, Boeing 747-400, and Lockheed C-5M Galaxy.
The LM6000 gas turbine is derived from the CF6 jet engine used on commercial and military transport aircraft. Image: GE.
The hydrogen plant is expected to deliver 200 megawatts of power, and will provide reliable energy during periods when wind and solar may be intermittent. During periods where sufficient solar and wind power is available, the plant’s hydrogen-generated power will be stored for future use.
The agreement is the first time a commercial-scale GE Vernova power plant project will be powered by the aeroderivative gas turbine combustion technology capable of operating on 100 per cent hydrogen. The only residue from hydrogen power is water vapour.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said the state was at the forefront of the global shift to clean energy, and its investment in 100 per cent hydrogen-capable technology at Whyalla set a new standard for what was possible.
“This partnership with GE Vernova, through ATCO Australia, brings us one step closer to a future powered by zero-emission hydrogen, positioning South Australia as a leader in renewable energy innovation,” he said.
“By integrating this world-first technology, we are not only supporting our state’s energy security but also creating a blueprint for sustainable, hydrogen-fuelled power that the rest of the world can follow.
Concept art of the Whyalla Power Plant. Image: SA Govt.
CEO and Country Chair of ATCO Australia John Ivulich added, “With more than 75 per cent of energy generated from renewable resources, SA Australia is set to become a global leader in producing and utilising renewable hydrogen and we are delighted to be part of this project that can unlock decarbonisation opportunities.
“By deploying GE Vernova’s first-of-its-kind aeroderivative solution, able to operate on 100 per cent hydrogen, we will support South Australia’s continued energy transition and decarbonisation journey, in alignment with the state’s goals outlined in the government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan.”
CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business Eric Gray said his company had been investing over the years in R&D to advance the capabilities of its combustion systems to burn higher blends of hydrogen.
“We are proud to unveil our first 100 per cent hydrogen-ready aeroderivative gas turbine solution to support our customers’ decarbonisation goals while maintaining grid reliability, which requires the deploying of renewable and conventional power technology in tandem,” he said.
“The South Australian Government, through our project partner ATCO Australia, selected GE Vernova as the preferred equipment supplier for its Hydrogen Jobs Plan, and we are honoured to work with ATCO Australia and BOC in this first-of-its-kind project, which is a major step in support of South Australia’s renewable energy future.”
