GE will upgrade two Hitachi heavy-duty steam turbines, targeting to boost capacity by a combined 84 MW and reducing fuel consumption by approximately 5% for each MW generated.

GE Power Services Asia-Pacific general manager Anders Maltesen said the Loy Yang B upgrades were part of Engie’s Greenhouse Intensity Improvement Project underway at the power plant, aimed to increase operational flexibility while also decreasing greenhouse intensity.

“This project will help Engie align with Australia’s initiative to increase the efficiency and overall sustainability at Victoria’s coal-fired power plant Loy Yang B,” he said.

“The Loy Yang B station project marks the first time globally that GE has been selected to service a heavy-duty Hitachi steam turbine instead of the Japanese equipment manufacturer. 

“The project reflects the global energy sector’s recognition of GE’s expanded capabilities to service power generation equipment from other manufacturers following the company’s acquisition of Alstom Power in 2015.”

According to the 2016 National Electricity Forecasting Report from the Australian Energy Market Operator manufacturing sector energy consumption is forecast to increase 6.4% over the next 20 years, and consumption from other business sectors – such as commercial and industrial applications – is expected to rise about 10.9%over the same time span.

With the generation equipment upgrades from GE, total plant output is expected to increase to 1140MW and increases GE’s installed base of power capacity in Australia by more than 1 gigawatt.