GE Power Releases Whitepaper on Cheaper, Cleaner, Faster gas turbine technology in Africa
Whitepaper argues case for aeroderivative gas turbines; Highlights key advantages such as providing cheaper, cleaner, more reliable and faster power; Identifies important role of aeroderivatives for grid firming as penetration of renewables soars; Discusses comparison data versus other engines on costs, fuel flexibility, output efficiency and mobility metrics amongst others.
As Africa’s leaders pursue state-of-the-art technology that can provide more affordable, reliable, accessible, and sustainable power for the continent, GE Power’s Gas Power Systems business (NYSE: GE) (www.GE.com/Power) today unveiled a whitepaper (https://invent.ge/2KsKKfF) focused on gas turbine technology that can ensure a cleaner and safer operation while accommodating a high penetration of renewable energy sources.
Co-authored by GE gas power technology experts John Ingham and Monamee Adhikari, the whitepaper presents the advantages of using aeroderivative turbines which include better quality grid firming, cleaner power with lower emissions and cheaper power.
Aeroderivative gas turbines offer a variety of fuel options which provide capability to harness fuels from different sources and to switch between fuels when economically preferred without shutting down. They also yield better efficiencies through rapid response to grid frequency fluctuations and combined cycle capability which results in better use of fuel. Lube oil consumption is 200 times lower when compared with reciprocating engines for example.
Averaging 8 times less operational and maintenance manpower and over 15 times fewer maintenance events than reciprocating engines during a 3-year cycle in an equivalent sized power plant, aeroderivatives require simpler maintenance and their higher reliability and availability provide power in a few days after inspection which also lowers capital expenditure (CAPEX) costs per unit of generated power.
Aeroderivative gas turbines provide lower emissions and much smaller footprint therefore ensuring cleaner power and freeing land for other uses. They also allow for better integration of intermittent renewables to the grid, by providing a more stable grid through excellent frequency control.
“The role of technology in achieving affordable and reliable power is essential. Aeroderivative gas turbines yield excellent efficiencies from installation to maintenance making it an appropriate solution for faster, cheaper, cleaner and more stable power,” said Elisee Sezan, CEO, GE’s Gas Power Systems business, Sub Saharan Africa. “Going forward, there is a need to adopt such technologies that will make access to power sustainable. With our expertise and experience powering the world with best-in -class gas portfolio, GE is best suited to help energy leaders and stakeholders achieve their objectives.” he further added.
Due to their small size and modular nature, aeroderivative gas turbines can be transported, installed and commissioned very quickly. The TM2500 generator set is trailer mounted and can be installed faster than traditional power plants, making it ideal for short- and long-term energy planning, stabilizing the grid, or powering remote locations.
With more than 100 million operating hours over the last 45 years and up to 44% simple cycle efficiency and 56% combined cycle efficiency with fast startup, high ramp rates and outstanding cycling capability, aeroderivatives provide flexible and reliable power generation.
GE is committed to the power transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The first turbine in the region was commissioned in the early 1950s and in 2018, GE achieved its 100th power plant installation in Sub-Sahara Africa (https://bit.ly/2VEhxiO) totaling an installed base of over 300 turbines in up to 22 countries in the region.
About GE:
GE (NYSE:GE) (www.GE.com) drives the world forward by tackling its biggest challenges. By combining world-class engineering with software and analytics, GE helps the world work more efficiently, reliably, and safely. For more than 125 years, GE has invented the future of industry, and today it leads new paradigms in additive manufacturing, materials science, and data analytics. GE people are global, diverse and dedicated, operating with the highest integrity and passion to fulfill GE’s mission and deliver for our customers.
About GE Power:
GE Power (www.GE.com/Power) is a world energy leader providing equipment, solutions and services across the energy value chain from generation to consumption. Operating in more than 180 countries, our technology produces a third of the world’s electricity, equips 90 percent of power transmission utilities worldwide, and our software manages more than forty percent of the world’s energy. Through relentless innovation and continuous partnership with our customers, we are developing the energy technologies of the future and improving the power networks we depend on today. For more information please visit www.GE.com/Power and follow GE Power on Twitter and on LinkedIn.
