Coal-To-Gas Transition: Powered By GE Vernova's H-Class Equipment, First Block Of Hsinta Power Plant Started To Deliver 1.3 GW Of Electricity In Taiwan

• Hsinta power plant, powered by GE Vernova’s 7HA.03 combined cycle equipment, is supporting coal-to gas transition while enhancing the reliability and stability of Taiwan’s electricity grid
• The first of three blocks is gradually replacing the existing coal-fired units at the site
• Natural gas power plants can generate approximately 60% less emissions compared to other plants of the same size powered by diesel, coal and other fossil fuels

GE Vernova Inc. announced that the first of three blocks of Taiwan Power Company Nan Bu Construction Organization (TPC NPCO)’s Hsinta power plant, powered by GE Vernova 7HA.03 combined cycle equipment, started to operate and officially dispatch up to 1,3 gigawatt of electricity to Taiwan’s energy grid.

The new generating unit paves the way to a gradual replacement of the coal-fired units present at Hsinta site. The H-class blocks of this plant are expected to reduce the older coal units’ emissions by 60%.

TPC NPCO Director Huang said: “Our Hsinta Power Plant in Kaohsiung is a key facility in Taiwan's energy transition, and in line with Taiwan’s Renewable Energy Development Act (REDA) energy policy centered around transitioning from nuclear power and reducing reliance on coal fuels. Our trusted and long-standing relationship with GE Vernova has been instrumental in achieving the successful commissioning of the first block, while bringing up to 1,3 gigawatts (GW) of less carbon-emitting power to our customers through.”

Hsinta power plant includes two further blocks, which are expected to start operation in phases across 2025 and 2026, bringing the combined power capacity of the plant up to nearly 4 GW, a capacity expected to provide reliable electricity to Taiwanese households and industries.

GE Vernova worked together in consortium with a local company, CTCI Corporation, to engineer, construct, and commission the first combined cycle block. Each block of the plant features two high efficiency GE Vernova 7HA.03 gas turbines with H65 hydrogen cooled generators, two Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG), one GE Vernova STF-D650 steam turbine with H65 hydrogen cooled generator, and other equipment.

Ramesh Singaram, President and CEO, Asia of GE Vernova's Gas Power said: “Our latest gas turbine technology, the 7HA.03, is replacing aged coal-fired units with more efficient and flexible gas-fired combined cycle units, marking a significant step in Taiwan’s carbon emission reduction process. We are committed to support Taiwan’s power development and economic growth, helping to drastically reduce current coal power generation and to achieve up to 50% of the energy mix sourced from natural gas by 2025. TPC evaluated our HA combined cycle equipment as the best technology balancing effectively power output, efficiency, flexibility and maintainability.”

GE Vernova’s innovative block-size plant features a modular standard configuration that is simpler and more cost-effective to install, control and maintain to help a faster project execution. Thanks to its flexibility, meaning the ability to start up quickly and adjust the volume of energy produced, the new plant can help meet electricity demands and assist in stabilizing the power grid in Taiwan and improving the use of variable energy production from renewable sources.

In addition, to further advance the reduction of carbon emissions when utilizing gas power, GE Vernova 7HA.03 gas turbine currently has the capability to burn up to 50% by volume of hydrogen when blended with natural gas.

Since 1961, GE Vernova has played a significant role in supporting Taiwan's energy and infrastructure development. By 2026, gas power plants powered by GE Vernova’s assets are projected to exceed 10 GW, generating reliable capacity equal to power the equivalent of approximately more than 23 million homes in Taiwan.