GE Vernova to build new combined-cycle capacity at Mill Creek in Kentucky

GE Vernova announced it secured an order for 7HA.03 combined-cycle plant equipment from Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company (LG&E and KU).

The equipment will be used to power a new natural gas combined-cycle generating unit (NGCC) at the utilities’ existing Mill Creek Generating Station in Louisville, Kentucky.

Last year, the Kentucky Public Service Commission approved LG&E and KU’s plans to retire two aging coal units and build a new combined-cycle plant at its Mill Creek Generating Station. The commission also approved solar energy projects, battery storage, and a suite of energy efficiency programs.

Mill Creek 5 (MC5) is expected to have an output of approximately 645MW and will feature GE's 7HA.03 gas turbine. The company said the turbine will have the ability to use up to 50% hydrogen (by volume) as H2 becomes more available in the future.

Have you read?
Texas solar surpasses coal production for first time
DOE releases coal-to-nuclear information guide

GE will also provide a STF-D650 steam turbine along with a W86 generator, a Vogt Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) and its integrated Mark VIe control system for gas turbine performance management.

The performance of the new 7HA.03 gas turbine includes a ramp rate of 75MW/min as validated at GE Vernova’s Test Stand 7 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Originally published by Sean Wolfe on power-eng.com