GE Vernova has announced the successful commissioning of the first block of the Hsinta power station in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, marking a significant milestone in the facility’s transition from coal to natural gas. The initial 1.3-GW unit, part of the Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) Nan Bu Construction Organization (NBCO) Hsinta power station, is now operational. This development is a crucial step in Taiwan’s efforts to bolster its power grid and support its growing technology sector, particularly semiconductor production.
The Hsinta plant is utilizing GE Vernova’s advanced 7HA.03 equipment in a combined-cycle configuration. This technology is expected to enhance the plant’s efficiency and flexibility, contributing to Taiwan’s goal of reducing carbon emissions. The plant’s design features a modular standard configuration, which simplifies installation, control, and maintenance, supporting faster project execution. Additionally, the plant incorporates technology that enables faster startup and the flexibility to adjust energy output, thereby supporting power grid stability and the integration of renewable energy resources.
Ramesh Singaram, president and CEO, Asia, of GE Vernova’s Gas Power division, emphasized the significance of this project in Taiwan’s energy transition. “Our latest gas turbine technology, the 7HA.03, is replacing aged coal-fired units with more efficient and flexible gas-fired combined cycle units, marking a significant step in Taiwan’s carbon emission reduction process,” Singaram said. He further noted GE Vernova’s commitment to supporting Taiwan’s power development and economic growth, aiming to achieve up to 50% of the energy mix sourced from natural gas by 2025.
The Hsinta plant’s first block was engineered, built, and commissioned in collaboration with Taiwan’s CTCI Corp. Each block at Hsinta includes two high-efficiency GE Vernova 7HA.03 gas turbines with H65 hydrogen-cooled generators, two heat recovery steam generators, one GE Vernova STF-D650 steam turbine with H65 hydrogen-cooled generator, and other equipment. The 7HA.03 gas turbine currently has the capability to burn up to 50% by volume of hydrogen when blended with natural gas, highlighting its potential for future hydrogen integration.
A Taipower spokesperson underscored the importance of the Hsinta Power Plant in Taiwan’s energy transition. “Our Hsinta Power Plant in Kaohsiung is a key facility in Taiwan’s energy transition, and in line with Taiwan’s Renewable Energy Development Act [REDA] energy policy centered around transitioning from nuclear power and reducing reliance on coal fuels. Our trusted and long-standing relationship with GE Vernova has been instrumental in achieving the successful commissioning of the first block, while bringing up to 1.3 GW of less carbon-emitting power to our customers through.”
The next two blocks of the Hsinta plant are expected to come online later this year and in 2026, bringing the facility’s total generation capacity to approximately 4 GW. This expansion will contribute to Taiwan’s goal of adding more capacity to its power grid to support its burgeoning technology industry. Once fully operational, the Hsinta plant will be part of more than 10 GW of gas-fired power generation in Taiwan using GE Vernova equipment. GE Vernova has operated in Taiwan since 1961, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the region’s energy sector.
This development underscores the growing trend of transitioning from coal to natural gas in power generation, driven by the need for more efficient and flexible energy solutions. The integration of advanced gas turbine technology not only enhances power output and efficiency but also supports the broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and achieving a more sustainable energy mix. As Taiwan continues to invest in its power infrastructure, the successful commissioning of the Hsinta plant’s first block sets a precedent for future projects, highlighting the potential for similar transitions in other regions.