The South Australian Government has announced a groundbreaking agreement with ATCO Australia to bring world-leading technology to its Whyalla hydrogen power plant.
The deal, signed during the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, will see GE Vernova supply advanced aeroderivative gas turbines capable of running on 100 per cent renewable hydrogen, reinforcing South Australia’s leadership in renewable energy innovation.
Premier Peter Malinauskas hailed the agreement as a pivotal moment for the state’s energy future.
“South Australia is at the forefront of the global shift to clean energy, and our investment in 100% hydrogen-capable technology at Whyalla sets a new standard for what’s possible,” he said.
The Whyalla hydrogen power plant, a cornerstone of South Australia’s ambitious Hydrogen Jobs Plan, will utilise GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX turbines.
These advanced units are designed to operate entirely on renewable hydrogen, leveraging the state’s wind and solar resources to produce clean energy while ensuring grid reliability during intermittent renewable output.
ATCO Australia has secured four LM6000VELOX units, with commissioning slated for early 2026. This marks the first commercial-scale project to deploy GE Vernova’s aeroderivative turbines, designed to run exclusively on hydrogen.
“With more than 75 per cent of energy generated from renewable resources, South Australia is set to become a global leader in producing and utilising renewable hydrogen and we are delighted to be part of this project that can unlock decarbonisation opportunities,” said John Ivulich, CEO of ATCO Australia.
“By deploying GE Vernova’s first-of-its-kind aeroderivative solution, able to operate on 100 per cent hydrogen, we will support South Australia’s continued energy transition and decarbonisation journey, in alignment with the State’s goals outlined in the Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan.”
Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business, underscored the technological significance of the project. “We are proud to unveil our first 100 per cent hydrogen-ready aeroderivative gas turbine solution to support our customers’ decarbonisation goals while maintaining grid reliability,” he said.
Premier Malinauskas summed up the vision: “This partnership with GE Vernova, through ATCO Australia, brings us one step closer to a future powered by zero-emission hydrogen, positioning South Australia as a leader in renewable energy innovation.”
