GE gas turbine to be part of 1GW Czech virtual power plant

Hydrogen-ready aeroderivative turbine will be part of power complex that will also include solar, wind and biomass.

A plan to create a 1GW virtual power plant in the Czech Republic has taken a significant step forward with the signing of a contract with GE.

A GE aeroderivative gas turbine will add 50MW of power to the Czech Republic’s energy system and play a part in weaning the country off coal.

GE has won a contract from UCED Group, the energy division of Czech investment group CREDITAS Group, to supply the LM6000 PC Sprint turbine to a reserve power plant in the city of Prostějov.

The plant will be part of a UCED plan to add and integrate further power blocks to create a 1000 MW ‘virtual power plant’ comprising several decentralized, interconnected sources that are controlled by one central control room.

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The main energy source will be gas – either natural, biogas or blended with hydrogen – and the virtual complex will also include solar, wind, thermal and biomass plants.

UCED investment director Richard Holešinský said the plant is intended to help stabilize the grid and support renewables growth in the country, and also “supports the Czech government’s main target to diversify energy sources”.

He said GE’s aero technology was chosen because of its “fast installation, small footprint and operating flexibility”.

Although GHG emissions in the Czech Republic have fallen since 1990, it remains the fourth largest emitter per capita in the EU, according to McKinsey sustainability report.

With a significant number of energy-intensive industries, the Czech emissions intensity is significantly higher than the EU average, however it acknowledges that it could reduce emissions by 2030 primarily by curtailing its dependence on coal.

Joseph Anis, GE’s EMEA president, said the plant “plays a significant role in supporting the diversification of energy sources”.

“It will be key to supply lower-carbon intensity and flexible generation capacity to the grid that will provide more reliable electric power service to Czech industries and citizens.”

More about the Czech Republic's energy transition
Plans to turn Czech coal mine into storage, hydrogen and solar hub
Energy Markets Talks: Jan Fousek, Solar Association Czech Republic