ATCO Australia Selects GE Vernova for Hydrogen-Capable Turbines for South Australia Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan

ATCO Australia, a division of Canadian Utilities Limited, announced that as part of its partnership with the South Australian Government to deliver the world-leading Hydrogen Jobs Plan project, it has awarded GE Vernova the supply of the LM6000* gas turbine, included in the GE Vernova LM6000VELOX* packaged solution for the Whyalla hydrogen power plant. The official announcement was made this week at the COP29 Australian Pavilion in Baku, Azerbaijan as part of the 29^th United Nations Climate Change Conference.

The GE Vernova turbine is expected to become the first “aeroderivative” (derived from aviation jet engine technology) gas turbine capable of operating on 100 per cent renewable hydrogen. This first-of-its-kind technology will power the Whyalla power plant and is expected to provide crucial firming capacity to support the energy transition in South Australia.  

ATCO is actively developing hydrogen projects globally and has been selected by the South Australian Government as one of the key preferred partners for the design of what will be the world’s biggest hydrogen power station, in Whyalla.

“ATCO, in partnership with the South Australian Government, is bringing our global experience and local capabilities to deliver a world-leading energy project, supporting South Australia’s ambitions to become a global leader in producing and utilizing renewable hydrogen.

“ATCO Australia strategically selected GE Vernova because of its aeroderivative solution which is able to operate on 100 per cent hydrogen and will deliver on the State’s goals outlined in the Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan.

“ATCO Australia has been part of the South Australia community since the 1960’s delivering workforce housing and modular buildings, and we provide power generation via the Osborne Cogeneration Power Station. ATCO Australia looks forward to continuing to support the South Australia community.”  

– John Ivulich, ATCO Australia CEO and Country Chair

“South Australia is at the forefront of the global shift to clean energy, and our investment in 100 per cent hydrogen-capable technology at Whyalla sets a new standard for what’s possible.

“This partnership with ATCO Australia, brings us one step closer to a future powered by zero-emission hydrogen, positioning South Australia as a leader in renewable energy innovation. 

“By integrating this world-first technology, we are not only supporting our state’s energy security but also creating a blueprint for sustainable, hydrogen-fuelled power that the rest of the world can follow.“

– Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas

ATCO Australia is participating in the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase of the South Australian Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan. During the ECI phase, ATCO Australia will work closely with other project delivery partners to undertake detailed project and engineering design, procure critical equipment, finalise contracting arrangements, and complete cost estimations. The project’s operations are set to commence in 2026.

*Trademark of GE Vernova and/or its affiliates.

About Canadian Utilities

Canadian Utilities Limited (Canadian Utilities) and its subsidiary and affiliate companies have approximately 9,000 employees and assets of?$23 billion. Canadian Utilities, an ATCO company, is a diversified global energy infrastructure corporation delivering essential services and innovative business solutions. ATCO Energy Systems delivers energy for an evolving world through its electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, and international operations segments. ATCO EnPower creates energy solutions in the areas of renewables, energy storage, industrial water and alternative fuels. ATCO?Australia?develops, builds, owns and operates energy and infrastructure assets. More information can be found at?www.canadianutilities.com.

About ATCO

As a global enterprise ATCO Ltd. and its subsidiary and affiliate companies have approximately 20,000 employees and assets of $25 billion. ATCO is committed to future prosperity by working to meet the world’s essential energy, housing, security and transportation challenges. ATCO Structures designs, builds and delivers products to service the essential need for housing and shelter around the globe. ATCO Frontec provides operational support services to government, defence and commercial clients. ATCO Energy Systems delivers essential energy for an evolving world through its electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, and international operations. ATCO EnPower creates sustainable energy solutions in the areas of renewables, energy storage, industrial water and clean fuels. ATCO Australia develops, builds, owns and operates energy and infrastructure assets. ATCOenergy and Rümi provide retail electricity and natural gas services, home maintenance services and professional home advice that bring exceptional comfort, peace of mind and freedom to homeowners and customers. ATCO also has investments in ports and transportation logistics, the processing and marketing of fly ash, retail food services and commercial real estate. More information can be found at www.ATCO.com.

Contact:

Colin Jackson – Senior Vice President, Finance, Treasury & Sustainability – Colin.Jackson@atco.com – (403) 808-2636

Source: ATCO Ltd.