GE Vernova’s Gas Power business (NYSE:GE) and EnergyAustralia have proudly announced the inauguration of the Tallawarra B Power Station in New South Wales, Australia. This pioneering facility, powered by GE Vernova’s advanced 9F.05 gas turbine, stands as Australia’s first commercial operation dual-fuel power plant capable of utilizing both natural gas and hydrogen. By 2025, EnergyAustralia aims to operate the plant on a blend of 5% green hydrogen and natural gas, contingent on the development of a sufficiently large and scalable hydrogen industry. Tallawarra B is set to become the first 9F gas turbine worldwide to run on this innovative fuel mix.
The power station is designed to provide up to 320 MW of dispatchable power, enhancing the reliability and sustainability of New South Wales’ energy supply. This comes at a critical time following the closure of the Liddell coal-fired plant in April 2023, with Tallawarra B poised to help compensate for the lost capacity and offer crucial flexibility during peak energy demands by utilizing a green hydrogen blend to reduce emissions.
Mark Collette, Managing Director of EnergyAustralia, emphasized the significance of Tallawarra B as a keystone in the region’s energy transition, marking the first gas-fired power station built in New South Wales in over a decade. “Tallawarra B will provide essential support to the grid, especially as we integrate more renewable sources and phase out coal power,” Collette said.
EnergyAustralia is also preparing for the future by upgrading its adjacent Tallawarra A station to enhance its efficiency and capacity, enabling it to use up to 30% hydrogen as fuel, aligning with their ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The 9F turbine at the heart of Tallawarra B exemplifies dual-fuel technology’s ability to support the transition to a lower carbon future. GE Vernova, with its comprehensive experience in gas and renewable energy technologies, is at the forefront of enabling the hydrogen value chain.
Ramesh Singaram, President and CEO, Asia of GE Vernova’s Gas Power, highlighted the project’s role in combatting climate change, “Tallawarra B Power Station underscores gas technology’s potential in achieving carbon reduction and ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply.”
Located alongside the existing Tallawarra A gas plant, the Tallawarra B Power Station integrates state-of-the-art technology including an A78 generator and a Mark* Vie control system, enhancing installation efficiency and serviceability.
GE Vernova’s commitment to hydrogen innovation is evident in its portfolio, capable of accommodating hydrogen levels from 5% up to 100%. With a history of gas turbine excellence since 1991 and a goal to develop technology for 100% hydrogen fuel by 2030, GE Vernova is poised to lead the industry towards greener energy solutions.
For over a century, GE has been a part of Australia’s industrial landscape, with more than 140 gas turbines currently in operation across the country. The Tallawarra B project represents a significant step forward in using hydrogen to lower carbon emissions in the power sector, showcasing a model for future energy projects globally.
