GE Vernova’s Aeroderivative Technology to Provide Reliable Power and Help Ensure Grid Stability with High Efficiency in Missouri

­GE Vernova Inc. announced that it secured an order from the municipal utility of Springfield City Utilities, Missouri (CU) for three units of its innovative LM6000VELOX aeroderivative gas turbine packages aiming to expand electric generation capacity at CU’s 100 Megawatt (MW) McCartney Generating Station, located in Springfield, Greene County, Missouri.

Increasing electricity demand, aging power generation units, and extreme weather events have led to increases in the amount of CU’s required for power generation capacity, known as a Planning Reserve Margin (PRM). A PRM is the power capacity required beyond projected demand to ensure reliability during peak usage or unexpected outages. By 2026, CU will be required to maintain a PRM of 36% during winter months, a significant increase from the current 15%. This means CU must have 36% more power generation capacity than what is required to serve Springfield’s electric load to help mitigate unexpected disruptions. 

The three GE Vernova aeroderivative units are expected to inject an additional 150 MW of reliable and flexible capacity with the new aeroderivative gas turbine packages to help ensure grid stability with high efficiency. Once online, the aeroderivative gas turbines are expected to become CU’s most efficient generators with the capability to burn two types of fuel (natural gas with a fuel oil/diesel as a backup) in case of emergency events. The plant is estimated to start operations in 2027. 

“This investment is another step in ensuring Springfield’s energy reliability for the future,” said Warren Brooks, V.P. of Electric Operations at City Utilities. “We trust GE Vernova’s units will help us quickly meet demand during peak energy usage. This project is aligned to our broader strategy to address future power supply needs through affordable, reliable, and innovative solutions.”

GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX packages are developed using proven LM6000* aeroderivative gas turbine technology which is well-known in the power generation industry for its quick start time and ramp-up to full power in as little as 5 minutes, high cyclic life helping to complement intermittent power from renewable sources, and operational flexibility.

The LM6000VELOX package was developed to reduce the installation and commissioning schedule of LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbines by up to 40% and save up to 4,000 labor hours.

“With increasing power generation demand driven by growing electrification needs and more renewables coming online every day, operators and municipalities, like City Utilities, need to ensure grid reliability with high efficiency, while delivering cheaper and faster power for their end users” said Dave Ross, CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power Americas region. “We are excited to work with City Utilities to contribute to the expansion of their McCartney Power Generation Station with our highly efficient, reliable, fast and flexible technology.”

LM6000 gas turbines are part of an installed base of nearly 1.200 units across approximately 60 countries. In a Singular Annular Combustor (SAC) configuration, these units have the capability to burn up to 100% hydrogen by volume, thereby reducing CO2 emissions from power delivered by a gas turbine.