| Climate resilience
increasing oxygen levels in water. Many dams simply spill excess water in an attempt to raise oxygen levels, a method that can result in wasteful energy production and doesn’t achieve the optimal oxygenation levels needed for a healthy ecosystem. The new aerating turbines are far more efficient, as they inject oxygen into the water through the turbine itself, using the natural flow of water to disperse tiny air bubbles throughout the downstream ecosystem. This method not only preserves energy but also ensures more precise oxygenation levels. “I think the real strength of our technology is the physical implementation of an additional profile inside the turbine, which allows us to generate suction, to draw in more air than what other manufacturers can achieve, and at the same time provide additional structural rigidity,” says Toussaint, underscoring the unique design of this solution. Hydropower plays a vital role in the global energy
landscape, generating approximately 15% of the world’s electricity. In many regions, hydropower is also seen as a key component in the transition to a low-carbon energy future. However, as many of the world’s hydropower plants age, there is a need for modernisation to ensure these facilities remain efficient, effective, and environmentally responsible. The new aerating turbines from GE Vernova offer a practical solution for this issue. By improving the oxygenation process, these turbines not only enhance the environmental performance of hydropower plants but also extend the operational lifespan of aging infrastructure. “These refurbishments are expected to help these units remain viable for another 50 years,” says Toussaint. This is particularly important, as many hydropower plants have been in operation for decades. Modernisation efforts like these ensure that these plants can continue to contribute to energy production while also meeting the environmental and regulatory requirements necessary to protect aquatic life and water quality.
GE Vernova and Dominion Energy: a
partnership for the future One prominent example of the real-world application of this technology is the ongoing modernisation project at the Saluda Hydro power plant in South Carolina. The Saluda Hydro plant, which has been operational since 1930, provides a perfect case study for the benefits of this new technology. Located on the Saluda River near Columbia, South Carolina, the plant has been serving the region for almost a century, providing reliable, low-carbon energy to the surrounding communities. In 2024, GE Vernova secured an order from Dominion
Energy South Carolina for the modernisation of two hydropower units at the Saluda Hydro plant. This project will include the installation of the advanced aerating turbine technology to replace the existing turbines in Units 1 and 3, and the rehabilitation of the Unit 3 generator. The goal is to increase dissolved oxygen levels in the river, improving water quality and supporting the river’s aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, this modernisation will extend the plant’s operational lifespan and improve its energy production efficiency. “Investing in their replacement will help maintain the facility’s long-term reliability and, most importantly, continue to safely serve our customers for many years
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to come,” said Iris Griffin, Vice President of Generation at Dominion Energy. The integration of GE Vernova’s aerating turbines ensures that the Saluda Hydro plant will remain a valuable asset for the community, not just for energy production, but for the health of the surrounding environment as well. Frederic Ribieras, CEO of Hydro Power at GE
Vernova, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, stating: “Our team is delighted to bring its advanced solution to a site that has been serving the state for almost a century. This project shows that through both electricity generation and water management, hydropower can provide many benefits to communities, for a very long time.”
A lasting legacy for the future As hydropower continues to provide a significant
portion of the world’s renewable energy, innovations like GE Vernova’s aerating turbines are helping ensure that this important energy source remains viable and effective for decades to come. This new technology not only offers a solution for enhancing water quality but also contributes to making hydropower plants more adaptable to the evolving needs of modern energy grids. With its ability to generate power flexibly while maintaining healthy ecosystems, GE Vernova’s aerating turbine technology represents a significant leap forward in hydropower innovation. Hydropower continues to play a crucial role in the global transition to cleaner energy. In the United States, hydropower accounts for nearly 27% of the total renewable electricity generation and almost 6% of the nation’s overall electricity supply. The modernisation of aging plants through innovations like the aerating turbine technology will enable hydropower to remain a cornerstone of the renewable energy mix, helping meet the growing demand for clean energy while also supporting ecosystem health. “As one of the oldest sources of renewable energy in the country, the ~100GW installed base is aging, and we see large opportunities for modernisation projects to enable them to deliver even more renewable energy into the grid and help accelerate the energy transition in the country,” noted Ribieras. By embracing new technology, the hydropower industry is ensuring that it can continue to serve as a reliable, low-carbon energy source for generations to come, while also helping to safeguard the natural environments that depend on it.
Above: A reduced-scale simulation of the technology adding oxygen to water. Credit: GE Vernova
Below: GE Vernova has secured an order from Dominion Energy for the modernisation of Saluda Hydro plant in South Carolina. Image courtesy Dominion Energy
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