UK-based power generation company InterGen has awarded a contract to GE Vernova’s gas power business to upgrade its 800MW Coryton power plant 30 miles east of London, UK.
GE Vernova agreed to provide the high-efficiency (HE) upgrade for the existing GT26 gas turbine technology.
The installation is scheduled to take place in 2025 and will increase the performance of the two gas turbines through the introduction of advanced technologies to GE’s H-Class and F-Class fleets with additional manufactured parts.
The HE upgrade will include technology breakthroughs across gas turbines, compressors and combustors.
They will help deliver an additional 77MW of power output, increase the efficiency of the units and extend ongoing maintenance intervals as the fuel requirement for the additional power output will be reduced.
The modernisation will help reduce carbon emissions by 67,500 tonnes annually, supporting the UK Government’s aim of reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
InterGen CEO Jim Lightfoot stated: “Ar InterGen, we continue to invest in the energy transition by boosting flexible generation to ensure the stability of grids as renewable generation increases, while developing advanced solutions that keep the lights on, at a manageable cost for our customers — and we see GE as a reliable player and technological innovator to drive these goals forward.
“We selected GE’s HE upgrade because of its excellent part load efficiency and its fuel-flexible combustion system. With this innovative upgrade, we expect that our power station will benefit from improved efficiency and increased output, in line with our goals.”
GE has invested significantly in developing the upgrade, which was introduced in 2019. Six GT26 units have already been upgraded and have provided more than 47,000 operating hours.
GE Gas Power Europe, Middle East and Africa president and CEO Joseph Anis stated: “Once installed in 2025, this project will mark our tenth HE upgrade. Our customers, including InterGen, continue to reap the benefits from this advanced upgrade for the GT26 fleet.”
