South Australia is taking a major leap in the renewable energy space with a game-changing agreement secured at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The state has partnered with ATCO Australia and global tech leader GE Vernova to bring a world-first innovation to life—the ability to run gas turbines on 100% renewable hydrogen. This milestone paves the way for the development of the Whyalla hydrogen power plant, marking a significant moment in South Australia’s journey toward becoming a global renewable energy hub.
The Whyalla hydrogen plant is set to be powered by GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX aeroderivative gas turbines, which are uniquely designed to operate on 100% hydrogen. This cutting-edge technology will allow the plant to generate up to 200 megawatts (MW) of power, delivering reliable and clean electricity to the South Australian grid. The turbines will run entirely on renewable hydrogen, produced using the state’s vast wind and solar resources, cementing South Australia’s position at the forefront of the energy transition.
The deal is a key part of the state’s ambitious Hydrogen Jobs Plan, which aims to position South Australia as a leader in the renewable hydrogen space. The plan is a visionary effort to decarbonise the state’s energy grid and create a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future. This partnership with GE Vernova represents a major investment in clean energy technology, reinforcing the state’s commitment to leading global efforts in tackling climate change.
South Australia has long been a trailblazer in renewable energy, already generating over 75% of its power from renewable sources. Now, with the Whyalla hydrogen power plant, the state will take its energy transition to the next level by integrating hydrogen as a core fuel source. Hydrogen is increasingly seen as the fuel of the future, offering a clean and efficient way to store and transport energy. The ability to produce hydrogen using renewable energy—and then use that hydrogen to generate power—offers a virtually carbon-free energy solution that could revolutionise the energy industry.
The turbines at the Whyalla plant will harness hydrogen to generate power when the renewable energy supply from wind and solar is insufficient. This “firming” capability is critical in ensuring a reliable energy supply, particularly as intermittent sources like wind and solar can fluctuate in response to weather conditions. By combining renewable power generation with hydrogen storage, South Australia will have a resilient, flexible energy system capable of meeting the growing demands of a carbon-conscious world.
The agreement, signed by the South Australian Government, ATCO Australia, and GE Vernova, marks the first time that a commercial-scale power plant will operate using 100% hydrogen-ready aeroderivative gas turbines. This achievement is a testament to the technological advancements GE Vernova has made in the field of combustion systems. The LM6000VELOX turbines, which have been in development for years, are designed to seamlessly burn high blends of hydrogen, paving the way for a broader transition to hydrogen-based energy systems.
For South Australia, this project is not just about adopting new technology—it’s about setting a global benchmark for the future of energy. As the world faces the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and shift away from fossil fuels, South Australia’s bold move to embrace hydrogen power could provide a blueprint for other regions looking to make similar transitions. The state’s forward-thinking approach is indicative of its determination to lead the way in sustainable energy innovation.
The Whyalla plant is expected to be operational by early 2026, and its impact will be felt far beyond the borders of South Australia. The project will not only create jobs and boost the local economy, but it will also serve as a model for how large-scale renewable hydrogen projects can be integrated into existing energy systems. As other parts of the world begin to take notice, South Australia’s efforts could influence the future direction of global energy policy.
The potential benefits of hydrogen extend beyond electricity generation. The fuel can be used in a variety of sectors, including transport, industry, and heating, providing a versatile solution to the energy challenges of the future. With this project, South Australia is laying the foundation for a hydrogen economy that could help decarbonise multiple sectors, contributing to the country’s wider efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia, expressed his excitement about the partnership and its implications for the future. “South Australia is at the forefront of the global shift to clean energy, and our investment in 100% hydrogen-capable technology at Whyalla sets a new standard for what’s possible,” he said. Malinauskas emphasised that this project is not just about improving energy security for the state, but also about creating a sustainable future that others can emulate.
John Ivulich, CEO of ATCO Australia, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significant role hydrogen will play in the state’s energy transition. “With more than 75 percent of energy generated from renewable resources, South Australia is set to become a global leader in producing and utilising renewable hydrogen,” Ivulich said. He added that the project would help unlock decarbonisation opportunities for industries and communities across the region.
The role of GE Vernova in the project cannot be overstated. As the global leader in power generation technology, GE has been instrumental in advancing hydrogen-ready solutions. Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business, noted that the development of hydrogen-burning turbines is a crucial step in ensuring that the world’s energy systems remain reliable while transitioning to cleaner sources. “We are proud to unveil our first 100 percent hydrogen-ready aeroderivative gas turbine solution to support our customers’ decarbonisation goals,” Gray said.
While the project’s focus is on the power sector, its implications extend to the broader energy landscape. South Australia’s success in implementing hydrogen power could inspire other states and nations to accelerate their own hydrogen initiatives, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change. The Whyalla hydrogen plant could be just the beginning of a much larger movement toward a zero-emission future powered by hydrogen.
The future of hydrogen power looks bright, and with the help of cutting-edge technology, forward-thinking leadership, and a commitment to sustainability, South Australia is showing the world what’s possible. As the state continues to innovate and lead the charge for a clean energy future, the Whyalla hydrogen power plant will serve as a shining example of how to make that future a reality.
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