GE Vernova has secured a contract with Hawaiian Electric (HECO), the electric public utility in Hawaii, to supply six LM6000VELOX aeroderivative package units to modernise the Waiau plant at Pearl City, O’ahu, currently powered by ageing oil-fired steam turbines. The project is currently on schedule for the first two units to be in commercial operation in 2029, with subsequent units coming online in phases.
These smaller and more efficient aeroderivative turbine units will replace assets ranging from 58 to 67 years old that are currently slated for retirement. Upon completion, the project is expected to add over 250 MW of firm power to the grid, helping ensure reliable service when variable renewable resources like wind and solar are unavailable, and should contribute to advancing the state’s emissions reduction goals.
Mike DeCaprio, Hawaiian Electric vp of Power Supply commented “This represents the most significant modernisation of the O‘ahu generation infrastructure in decades and it will strengthen the reliability and resilience of our system while supporting the integration of more renewable resources like solar and energy storage.”
GE Vernova’s aeroderivative packages can operate on a variety of liquid fuels, including biofuels produced locally, and can be converted to run on liquefied natural gas if it becomes available. The project will utilise the current land footprint of Waiau Power Plant and reuse much of the existing infrastructure, which will reduce costs and community impact.
