The People’s Republic of China has taken a new step in its energy transition with the commissioning of the Guangming power plant, located in the district of the same name in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. Powered by three 9HA.01 gas turbines supplied by GE Vernova, this plant is designed to produce up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, meeting the energy needs of a province with approximately 127 million inhabitants.
This infrastructure is part of the Chinese government’s commitment to reaching a peak in its carbon emissions by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2060. To do this, the country is gradually reducing the share of coal in its energy mix. and accelerates the development of gas combined cycle power plants.
Technologies and strategic collaborations
The Guangming project is the result of a long-standing collaboration between GE Vernova and the state-owned energy group Shenzhen Energy Group Corporation. Harbin Electric, a key partner in the project, supplied the steam turbines and generators, while the gas turbines were manufactured by a joint venture founded in 2019 between GE Vernova and Harbin Electric.
9HA.01 turbines stand out for their flexibility and low carbon footprint, offering a reliable alternative for regions where coal-fired power still dominates. They can also operate with a mixture containing up to 50% hydrogen, thus foreshadowing even more environmentally friendly solutions.
A favorable regional context
Located in the Greater Bay Area, the plant benefits from local policies encouraging the energy transition. This zone, which plays a crucial role in the Chinese economy, seeks to reduce its dependence on coal while ensuring a stable energy supply for its industrial and urban activities.
-According to Xu Xin, president of GE Vernova Gas Power China Services, the choice of gas turbines is strategic for countries like China, where the energy transition must simultaneously meet the imperatives of reliability and sustainability.
A long-term commitment
GE Vernova, which has operated in China for more than 40 years, is strengthening its role as a key partner in the gas power sector. With more than 240 turbines in service in the country, the company is actively participating in the modernization of the Chinese electricity network. The Guangming project joins six other similar projects using 9HA turbines, representing a total capacity of nearly 10 GW.
With this project, China reaffirms its ambition to lead a rapid and sustainable energy transition, relying on advanced technologies to meet the growing demand for electricity while reducing its environmental impact.
