INTRODUCTION

In recent years there has been a resurgence in existing gas turbine power plants being picked up and reapplied throughout the world. Many thousands of megawatts have recently been relocated from Asia to West Africa; Europe to Australia; Europe to East Africa; within USA; within West Africa; and so on ……….

The availability of retired units; the emergence of newly available low-cost gas fuel in  international markets; the need for fast-start gas turbines; and the ability to benefit once again from quickly installed units operating in the domestic US peaking power market, are all factors contributing to the return of this segment of the power market.

This short blog article explores the many advantages of relocating gas turbines, primarily for the North American power market.

US MARKET DRIVERS FOR RELOCATED UNITS

Regional Considerations

The North American power market is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by a growing need for reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy. In this context, relocating gas turbines emerges as a strategic solution to address several challenges.

For example, the California ISO market’s demand for fast start power has triggered relocation projects in surrounding areas to provide power into California. Also, the inconsistency of renewable power, particularly wind, in other western states has created a need for back up for both power and grid stability. This situation, combined with the abundance of natural gas, make the case for relocating fast start gas turbines and other gas fired generators into these areas.

Operational Flexibility

Gas turbines offer unparalleled operational flexibility, capable of ramping up or down quickly in response to changes in electricity demand.

Fast-start, highly flexible LM6000 engines have been a significant supplier of power in these markets. Although many LM6000 units do not fit the definition of a complete gas turbine unit relocation, they often utilize previously used engines that are refurbished and reapplied in a new package.

Reducing Transmission and Distribution Losses

Relocating gas turbines closer to demand centers reduces the need for extensive transmission and distribution infrastructures. This decreased reliance on extensive grids can result in both cost savings and improved reliability of delivered power during, for example, extreme weather conditions such as the Ercot cold weather problems experienced in 2021.

Environmental Sustainability

Older, relocated gas turbines may not be as environmentally friendly as current, advanced-class, power generation technologies. However, they will primarily still use clean gas fuel, and with the addition of emission technologies, will operate within required environmental permitting standards.

Decarbonization, and use of hydrogen fuel, is clearly a major topic of discussion in the power industry. It should be noted that standard combustion systems found on these older units, is more suited for hydrogen usage than the modern DLN systems. Many standard combustion systems will be capable of operating on 100% hydrogen without any major modifications.

Also, since these units are often relocated to complement renewables and reduce dependence on larger fossil-fired power plants, it will assist in moving towards a more environmentally friendly grid.

Energy Security

Distributing gas turbines strategically across the North American power market enhances energy security by reducing dependency on specific regions for power generation. In the event of natural disasters, weather issues, or other disruptions, a decentralized system with widely distributed gas turbines ensures a more reliable and secure energy supply.

TECHNICAL CHALLENGES

Firstly, coordination between the original and new site is an extremely important part of any relocation project, with care taken to ensure dismantled equipment is identified, tagged, and removed properly to ensure an efficient, low-cost installation at the new site.

Each relocation project has its own application requirements. These may include the need for asset  refurbishment, fuel conversions, frequency conversions (if moving between 50Hz and 60Hz countries), other upgrades and modifications, and installation of equipment necessary to allow the units to operate in compliance of local environmental regulations.

Perhaps the biggest question for any relocated power plant in North America will be required emission performance. As noted above, these units will typically operate on natural gas and by adding either dry or wet emission reduction systems, will achieve local permit requirements. When a hydrogen fuel infrastructure becomes available, they will be ready for 100% combustion on hydrogen.

CONCLUSION

Relocating gas turbines in the North American power market represents a strategic move towards building a more robust energy infrastructure. The many benefits, including enhanced grid reliability, operational flexibility, reduced transmission losses, environmental sustainability, and energy security makes this approach a compelling solution for addressing the evolving challenges in the power sector.

The fast delivery of these reapplied gas turbines, with lower capital costs than new, and the ability to operate on a wide flexibility of fuels make them an important solution to many of the opportunities in today’s dynamic power markets. The modular design of a gas turbine package, with a much smaller footprint per Mw than reciprocating engines, allows them to be quickly and easily installed in even the most remote locations.

Although not having the same efficiency of today’s large, advanced-class gas turbines, these older units can still provide a very important contribution to emerging grids and the peaking power market.

How Can We Help You?

TTS Energy Services is at the forefront of the gas turbine relocation market. We are responsible for the relocation of close to 90 gas turbines having a total of almost 3,000 megawatts. We have been involved at all levels including.

• Turnkey EPC contracts
• FEED studies
• Project management and design engineering
• Contract review
• Upgrade and modification services
• Site supervision.

With 35 years of experience in the turbine relocation market, we are the ideal partner for any relocation project.

Contact TTS and speak with a specialist to discuss and evaluate your possible opportunities for gas turbines relocations, as well as to enquire about assistance with your current relocation project.

Call +1 (407) 810 4400 to speak with an expert today.