South Australia orders world’s first 100 pct hydrogen-capable turbines for Whyalla 

The South Australian government has placed an order with US energy giant GE Vernova for the world’s first 100 per cent hydrogen-capable gas turbine that will be used for the Whyalla hydrogen power plant.

The decision to award the contract to GE Vernova was nnounced on the sidelines of the COP29 climate conference in Baku by Atco Australia, a division of Canadian Utilities.

GE Vernova will supply the “world-first” LM6000VELOX aeroderivative gas turbines to the 200MW Whyalla hydrogen power plant, which will be used to provide a new source of flexible power and firming capacity to support the transition to renewables in South Australia.

This first “aeroderivative” (derived from aviation jet engine technology) gas turbine will be capable of operating on 100 per cent renewable hydrogen, a first at commercial scale.

South Australia source around 75 per cent of its electricity needs from wind and solar, and has a target of 100 per cent “net renewables by 2027. It plans the world’s biggest hydrogen only power plant in Whyalla, backed by a 250 MW electrolyser facility to produce the hydrogen from excess wind and solar.

“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 and country chair, Atco Australia.

Four turbines are expected to be commissioned in early 2026.

“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,” said Peter Malinauskas, the premier of South Australia, who was also in Baku to promote the state as a potential host of the COP31 climate talks in 2026.

“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.

“By integrating this world-first technology, we are not only supporting our state’s energy security but also creating a blueprint for sustainable, hydrogen-fuelled power that the rest of the world can follow.”