GE has announced that Taiwan Power Company (TPC)’s Tung Hsiao Power Plant in Miaoli County, Taiwan has successfully started grid-connected trial runs in January 2023 using six GE LM2500XPRESS aero-derivative gas turbines.
The company said in a statement that the project was installed within 10 months following the start of construction in February 2022. The recently installed highly modular units can deliver up to 180 megawatts (MW) of electricity to support the intermittent supply from nearby offshore wind power plants which are under construction.
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.
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.
The installed GE aero-derivative gas turbines can run on high blends of hydrogen with a future path towards 100% hydrogen combustion to further support Taiwan Power Company’s decarbonization initiatives.
“As the gas turbine original equipment manufacturer, GE is best positioned to support and increase the blending of hydrogen and natural gas now and in the future,” it said.
Tung Hsiao Power Plant Renewal Project is a first-of-its-kind aero-derivative gas turbine technology installation in Taiwan providing excellent grid firming capabilities with attributes like 8 minutes 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 Taiwan’s energy transition towards a sustainable future.
“This plant plays a crucial role in supporting the diversification of energy sources in Taiwan. We are proud to provide fast, flexible and more sustainable aero-derivative gas power—on or off the grid—to support TPC in their energy transition program and support the increased use of renewable solar and wind power,” said Ramesh Singaram, CEO of GE Gas Power for Asia.
“The scope and nature of this EPC turnkey project were extraordinary. GE not only provided its advanced aero-derivative 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 high safety standards.”
GE has been supporting the development of the energy system in Taiwan since 1961. GE-built power generation technologies are installed throughout Taiwan with over 30 gas turbines providing close to 6,000 MW of installed capacity.
With global experience across diverse industries, GE said it is well-positioned to support Taiwan’s 5+2 Industrial Innovation Plan, which focuses on seven industries and projects that will promote innovation, create high-income job opportunities, and support balanced development in high-value business sectors.
