China launches a 2 GW gas-fired power plant with GE Vernova’s support

The People’s Republic of China has taken a significant 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, the plant is designed to produce up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, meeting the energy needs of a province with approximately 127 million residents.

This infrastructure aligns with the government’s commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. To achieve these goals, China is steadily reducing the share of coal in its energy mix and accelerating the development of gas-fired combined-cycle power plants.

Technologies and Strategic Partnerships

The Guangming project is the result of a long-standing collaboration between GE Vernova and the state-owned Shenzhen Energy Group Corporation. Harbin Electric, a key partner in the project, provided the steam turbines and generators, while the gas turbines were manufactured by a joint venture established in 2019 between GE Vernova and Harbin Electric.

The 9HA.01 turbines stand out for their flexibility and low carbon footprint, offering a reliable alternative in regions where coal-fired power plants still dominate. Additionally, these turbines can operate with a blend containing up to 50% hydrogen, paving the way for more environmentally friendly solutions.

A Favorable Regional Context

Located in the Greater Bay Area, the power plant benefits from local policies promoting energy transition. This region, a critical economic hub in China, seeks to reduce its reliance on coal while ensuring a stable energy supply for its industrial and urban activities.

Xu Xin, president of GE Vernova Gas Power China Services, emphasized that gas turbines are a strategic choice for countries like China, where the energy transition must simultaneously address reliability and sustainability challenges.

A Long-Term Commitment

GE Vernova, which has operated in China for more than 40 years, continues to play a key role in the natural gas energy sector. With more than 240 turbines in operation across the country, the company actively contributes to modernizing China’s electricity grid. The Guangming project adds to six other installations using 9HA turbines, representing a total capacity of nearly 10 GW.

This project reaffirms China’s ambition to rapidly and sustainably transition its energy sector, leveraging advanced technologies to meet growing electricity demands while reducing its environmental impact.