GE (NYSE: GE) today announced an order from community-owned Colorado Springs Utilities (“Springs Utilities”) for six of its advanced LM2500XPRESS* aeroderivative gas turbine packages to help Springs Utilities bridge the gap and power the downtown area until a new transmission line is completed in 2025.
In alignment with Colorado’s goals to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity generation, and other sectors, Colorado Springs Utilities’ Board committed to retiring the coal-fired Martin Drake Power Plant by Dec. 31, 2022—12 years earlier than previously planned.
GE’s recently debuted LM2500XPRESS* power plant technology will help Springs Utilities acquire the flexibility they need to bring more renewables onto their system and move forward with the retirement of Martin Drake. Consistent with their Energy Vision, they are now on the path to reduce carbon emissions from their electricity service by at least 80% by 2030, from 2005 levels.
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Download free sample pagesThe 34-megawatt (MW) LM2500XPRESS* units are the first of their kind to be installed in North America and expected to start commercial operation by the summer of 2022. Using the highly mobile nature of the units—which can be moved on trailers—the LM2500XPRESS* units will eventually be relocated to other sites in the Colorado Springs area.
“The LM2500XPRESS* units were purchased to provide safe, affordable and reliable generation to support the increased use of renewable solar and wind power,” said Colorado Springs Utilities CEO Aram Benyamin. “These natural gas units will help us better integrate renewable energy sources, further reduce CO2 emissions, and accelerate the retirement of the Martin Drake Power Plant.”
GE’s LM2500XPRESS* power generators are 95% factory assembled into simplified modules and provide a “plug and play” concept that can be installed in less than three weeks. This makes the units ideal to bring fast power to the grid when needed. Each power block comprises a GE LM2500* aeroderivative gas turbine modular package, gas compressor and emissions control system. In addition, there is a black start diesel generator included to provide start-up capability in case of grid events.
The LM2500XPRESS* is engineered to be faster to install, save cost on coal-to-gas transition, and respond to intermittent renewable resources quickly and easily. The units provide dual-fuel capability, primarily burning natural gas, and can use liquid fuels to help meet periods of low natural gas availability. An advanced emissions control system uses a dry low emission (“DLE”) combustion system that cuts down on water use, and an oxidation catalyst to reduce emissions from these units.
“GE is committed to a decade of action for industry-wide decarbonization through the strategic and accelerated deployment of complementary gas and renewable energy technologies,” said Eric Gray, CEO of GE Gas Power for the Americas. “We are pleased to help Colorado Springs Utilities’ achieve a faster path toward decarbonization using GE’s LM2500XPRESS* units. The flexible concept of this breakthrough technology made it Springs Utilities’ ideal choice with a quick installation, small footprint, and the ability to easily relocate the equipment in the future.”
GE’s LM2500XPRESS* power generators are built on GE’s proven LM2500* aeroderivative gas turbine technology. With more than 2,500 units sold and more than 100 million operating hours, GE’s LM2500* is the top-selling aeroderivative gas turbine globally. The technology is available in both simple and combined-cycle configuration, for 50 and 60 Hz utility providers. In simple cycle configuration, it delivers 34 MW and achieves up to 39.5% of efficiency. In a combined cycle configuration, it delivers up to 47 MW with up to 54.4% of efficiency.
*Trademark of General Electric Company
