ATCO Australia selects GE Vernova for hydrogen-capable turbines for South Australia Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan
CALGARY, AB, Nov. 20, 2024 /CNW/ – ATCO Australia, a division of Canadian Utilities Limited (TSX: CU), announced that as part of its partnership with the South Australian Government to deliver the world-leading Hydrogen Jobs Plan project, it has awarded GE Vernova the supply of the LM6000* gas turbine, included in the GE Vernova LM6000VELOX* packaged solution for the Whyalla hydrogen power plant. The official announcement was made this week at the COP29 Australian Pavilion in Baku, Azerbaijan as part of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference.
The GE Vernova turbine is expected to become the first “aeroderivative” (derived from aviation jet engine technology) gas turbine capable of operating on 100 per cent renewable hydrogen. This first-of-its-kind technology will power the Whyalla power plant and is expected to provide crucial firming capacity to support the energy transition in South Australia.
ATCO is actively developing hydrogen projects globally and has been selected by the South Australian Government as one of the key preferred partners for the design of what will be the world’s biggest hydrogen power station, in Whyalla.
ATCO, in partnership with the South Australian Government, is bringing our global experience and local capabilities to deliver a world-leading energy project, supporting South Australia’s ambitions to become a global leader in producing and utilizing renewable hydrogen.
ATCO Australia strategically selected GE Vernova because of its aeroderivative solution which is able to operate on 100 per cent hydrogen and will deliver on the State’s goals outlined in the Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan.
ATCO Australia has been part of the South Australia community since the 1960’s delivering workforce housing and modular buildings, and we provide power generation via the Osborne Cogeneration Power Station. ATCO Australia looks forward to continuing to support the South Australia community.
John Ivulich, ATCO Australia CEO and Country Chair, said:
South Australia is at the forefront of the global shift to clean energy, and our investment in 100 per cent hydrogen-capable technology at Whyalla sets a new standard for what’s possible.
“This partnership with 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.
“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.“
– Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas
ATCO Australia is participating in the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase of the South Australian Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan. During the ECI phase, ATCO Australia will work closely with other project delivery partners to undertake detailed project and engineering design, procure critical equipment, finalise contracting arrangements, and complete cost estimations. The project’s operations are set to commence in 2026.
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ATCO Australia selects GE Vernova for hydrogen-capable turbines for South Australia Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan, source
