Turbine technology | First LM6000VELOX in operation
GE Vernova introduced the LM6000VELOX package in 2023, aiming to reduce the installation and commissioning schedule of LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbines by up to 40%, thereby achieving lower costs. The enhancements incorporated in the new package aim to also reduce site construction delays for power generation utilities, EPC
contractors, and other industry stakeholders, says GE Vernova.
The first LM6000VELOX package to go into commercial operation was that at Dominion Energy’s Bushy Park Combustion Turbine (Bushy Park CT) facility in Berkeley County, South Carolina, USA. This 52 MW unit, Bushy Park CT #1, achieved start of commercial operation on 1 November 2024. The rating is based on baseload with natural gas fuel at ISO conditions.
Dominion’s Bushy Park Combustion Turbine #1 (photo: Dominion)
The Bushy Park LM6000VELOX, along with two other units ordered for Dominion Energy’s Parr facility in Fairfield County, South Carolina, which are currently under construction, replace older peaking units. In addition to supporting Dominion during peak usage periods, these fully dispatchable units can complement solar generation on days when sunshine is limited or intermittent throughout the day. The Bushy Park and future Parr units incorporate an array of operational flexibility capabilities including dual-fuel capabilities, fast- starting, synchronous condensing, and black start. GE Vernova’s scope of supply included selective catalytic reduction and oxidation
catalyst systems, which, coupled with dry low NOx
combustion, “enable best-in-class air emissions performance without the need for water injection.”
“This aeroderivative solution can provide dispatchable and lower-carbon-emitting power compared to older units, and also important black-start capability necessary for restoring power after a blackout,” said Dave Ross, President and CEO for GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in the Americas.
With over 40 million operating hours and more than 1300 units shipped, GE Vernova describes the LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbine as “a leader in the +40 MW space.” In addition to the two LM6000VELOX packages currently being installed at Dominion Energy’s Parr facility, there are ten LM6000VELOX packages being installed at Tennessee Valley Authority’s Johnsonville aeroderivative power plant, with an expected start of operation in 2025. Recently, GE Vernova also announced that an LM6000VELOX package is expected to start operation on 100% hydrogen at the Whyalla hydrogen power plant in Australia in 2026.
Upgrades in Iraq
The Iraq Ministry of Electricity (MoE) and GE Vernova Inc have announced the successful completion of upgrades at several key power plants, significantly enhancing the performance and output of existing GE Vernova generating units. The new upgrades are part of a broader effort by the Ministry to modernise the power
GE Vernova’s Services team at Ninawa Power Plant with the Live Outage kit Image credit: GE Vernova
generation infrastructure to enhance grid stability and capacity, while meeting the growing energy demand in Iraq in alignment with the country’s energy transition efforts. The broader upgrade project encompasses 46 gas turbines across 12 power plants, aiming to add around 500 MW of additional generating capacity to the national grid before the summer of 2025. The modernisation projects are expected to improve operational flexibility and boost output, efficiency, and availability of the power generation assets. Some of the power plants included in this project – Ninawa, Al Diwaniyah, Hilla, Karbala, Shat Al Basra, Najibiya, Samawa, Dhiqar, Al Khairat and Al Haidariya – have already transitioned from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to natural gas, with a capacity increase of approximately 260 MW. The other plants are expected to be modernised within the summer of 2025, with an expected additional increase in capacity of approximately 250 MW. In addition, GE Vernova announced the successful installation of its Advanced Gas Path (AGP) upgrades on several 9.E gas turbines powering the Al-Quds and Dhiqar power plants, and MXL2 upgrades on 13E2 gas turbines at the Al Mansouriya power plant. The expected output increases of up to 6% for each of these power plants will enable Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity (MoE) to generate more electricity using the same amount of fuel, notes GE Vernova.
In addition, as part of the services and upgrade agreement announced in 2024 with
24 | March 2025|
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GE Vernova service team at Ninawa power plant, Iraq Image credit: GE Vernova
MoE to enhance the availability of power plants across the country, GE Vernova says it has completed comprehensive maintenance on a large fleet of gas turbines with a total installed capacity capacity of 3.7 GW, including units at Qayyarah, Diwaniyah, Al-Haydariyah, and Baghdad South. These initiatives aim to enhance the long-term reliability and stability of Iraq’s power sector, says GE Vernova, which has also reported completion and early commissioning of six critical 132 kV substations across the country.
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