GE Vernova has announced securing an order from the Australian independent gas producer and energy company QPM Energy for two of its LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbine packages. The fuel flexible GTs packages are aimed at enabling the plant to use QPM’s existing gas reserves or coal mine waste gas, which contains at least 50% methane, that it collects.
With commissioning scheduled for mid-2027, the packages are projected to deliver up to 112 MWe at QPM’s Isaac Power Station, and will become part of the expansion of QPM’s existing Moranbah gas production and infrastructure assets – QPM’s Isaac Energy Hub.
The development of the Isaac Power Station meets the State government’s call for more gas-fired generation as flexible generation is “clearly essential for supporting grid stability during the energy transition,” said QPM CEO David Wrench. “The [new] units are anticipated to supply electricity during periods of peak demand. This daily peak generally arises after sunset, as solar generation decreases and households increase their energy usage.”
Aeroderivative gas turbine solutions are built for high cycling capability. With the capability to reach full power within around five minutes from start-up, LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbines have a nominal ramp rate of around 30 MW/min, ideal for grid support.
GE Vernova has been participating in Australia’s energy industry for more than 125 years. The Pyrmont Bridge was one of GE’s first projects in Australia, and one of the first electric-powered bridges in the world at the time.
Today, 80% of the national grid is operating on GE Vernova’s electrification software, while 40% of Australia’s major utilities use the company’s technologies, and 50% of Australia’s power fleet is serviced by GE Vernova.
