Taiwan Power Company has started grid-connected trials using six GE LM2500XPRESS aeroderivative gas turbines.
The recently installed highly modular units can deliver up to 180MW of electricity to support the intermittent supply from nearby offshore wind power plants which are under construction. The project, at the Tung Hsiao Power Plant in Miaoli County, was installed within 10 months.
The new plant provides the needed additional flexibility to accelerate coal-to-gas transition and support renewables growth in alignment with Taiwan’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The installed GE aeroderivative gas turbines can run on high blends of hydrogen with a future path towards a 100% hydrogen combustion to further support Taiwan Power Company’s decarbonisation initiatives.
Gas power generation continues to play a crucial role in facilitating Taiwan’s transition to a lower carbon future and supporting the reliable, affordable growth of more sustainable energy.
The Tung Hsiao Power Plant Renewal Project supports Taiwan’s Renewable Energy Development Act (REDA) energy policy which seeks to increase the gas-fired power ratio to 50% by 2025.
Tung Hsiao Power Plant Renewal Project is a first-of-its-kind aeroderivative gas turbine technology installation, with attributes including eight-minute fast start from cold metal to full load, to the ability to perform daily starts without impacting maintenance cycles. This flexibility and durability will help TPC better integrate more renewable energy sources and support their energy transition towards a sustainable future.
Ramesh Singaram, CEO of GE Gas Power for Asia, said the plant plays a crucial role in supporting the diversification of energy sources in Taiwan and the aeroderivative gas technology can support the increased use of renewable solar and wind power.
He said, “GE not only provided its advanced aeroderivative gas turbine technology, but the various supporting and auxiliary components of a power plant system required to produce energy. Additionally, we completed this project with full adherence to Taiwan Power Corporation requirements while strengthening and maintaining the high safety standard.”
GE-built power generation technologies are installed throughout Taiwan with over 30 gas turbines providing close to 6,000 MW of installed capacity.
Between 2021 and 2025, Taiwan – which has earmarked $32bn for renewables spending and aims to be Net Zero by 2050 – will add 5.7GW of already allocated offshore wind power to the grid, and an additional 10GW of offshore wind will be added to the grid between 2026-2035.
For solar energy, Taiwan will add 14.2GW by 2025. Current unfinished wind and solar projects value approximately $82.9bn, among the highest tallies in the Asia region, according to the International Trade Administration.
Motive Offshore Group, which specialises in the design, manufacture, rental and inspection of marine and lifting equipment, announced the launch of a dedicated renewables hub located in Tapei, with an operational base near Taichung Port, last March. The alliance encompasses the expert capabilities of Motive Offshore Group, electrical engineering specialists V-TES Renewables, and marine geophysical-geotechnical service delivery company PanGeo Subsea.
