Aeroderivative gas turbines—power generation turbines derived from jet engine technology—play an increasingly pivotal role in today’s energy landscape. As grids worldwide incorporate more intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar, the need for fast-ramping, flexible power has grown. General Electric’s energy division, recently rebranded as GE Vernova, has responded with a new aeroderivative solution that promises notable technological advancements and economic benefits.
This Energy Brief explores the innovations in GE Vernova’s latest aeroderivative gas turbine offering, examines its economic and industry impact, compares it with similar technologies from other companies, and discusses benefits, challenges, and real-world case studies.
Technological Advancements in GE Vernova’s Aeroderivative Solution
GE Vernova’s new aeroderivative gas turbine solution, the LM6000VELOX, introduces several significant technological advancements. One headline feature is its rapid startup capability: the turbine can reach full power from a cold start in approximately five minutes. This ultra-fast start is crucial for grid stability, allowing operators to quickly dispatch power when solar or wind output dips. Equally groundbreaking is its fuel flexibility—this is the first aeroderivative gas turbine designed to operate on 100% renewable hydrogen. In other words, the LM6000VELOX is built to burn hydrogen fuel with zero carbon emissions, a forward-looking feature as the power sector eyes decarbonization.
Beyond these marquee features, the LM6000VELOX package emphasizes modular, efficient deployment. GE Vernova engineered the package to reduce installation and commissioning time by up to 40% compared to previous LM6000 units, translating to a savings of roughly 4,000 labor hours on site. Much of the assembly is done in the factory, enabling faster setup and lower installation costs for utilities and developers. Once in operation, the turbine offers a suite of flexible operating modes. It supports dual-fuel operation (natural gas or liquid fuel) and includes black-start capability (the ability to start up without an external power supply) and a synchronous condensing mode to provide reactive power support to the grid.
Emissions control is also enhanced: the new LM6000VELOX package at Dominion Energy’s Bushy Park site in South Carolina is equipped with dry low-emission combustors plus selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and oxidation catalyst systems to achieve best-in-class low emissions without requiring water injection for NOx control. These technological improvements—fast start, hydrogen fuel readiness, modular installation, multi-mode operation, and clean emissions—make GE Vernova’s solution a cutting-edge example of how aeroderivative turbines evolve to meet modern power needs.
Economic Impact and Industry Implications
The advancements in GE Vernova’s aeroderivative technology carry notable economic implications for the power industry. Faster installation and commissioning mean power plants can come online quicker, shortening project schedules and reducing financing costs. For example, by slashing installation labor hours by 4,000 through its modular design, the LM6000VELOX can lower construction expenditures and accelerate time-to-revenue for plant operators. Once operational, the turbine’s efficiency and flexibility translate to economic benefits.
Aeroderivative turbines like the LM6000VELOX often boast higher simple-cycle efficiency than older peaking power units, producing more electricity per unit of fuel. In New York City’s Gowanus project, replacing 1970s-era turbines with modern aeroderivatives is expected to boost plant efficiency by nearly 50% and significantly cut fuel costs and emissions. Such improvements reduce operating expenses and help meet environmental regulations, avoiding potential compliance costs.
Perhaps the most significant industry implication is how these turbines enable the integration of renewable energy. Grid operators increasingly rely on quick-start gas turbines to fill gaps when sunshine or wind falters. According to industry reports, the rapid growth of intermittent renewables has created a parallel surge in demand for “quick-starting and flexible backup power to ensure grid stability.” Aeroderivatives answer this need by ramping up within minutes, thus preventing blackouts or costly power imbalances. This reliability support for renewables has a broader economic impact: it allows countries and states to pursue aggressive renewable targets without sacrificing grid reliability.
Additionally, turbines capable of burning hydrogen offer a form of “future-proofing.” Utilities investing in a unit like GE’s 100% hydrogen-capable LM6000VELOX today can avoid the risk of their asset being stranded in a decarbonizing future. Instead of retiring a plant as carbon constraints tighten, operators can switch to carbon-free hydrogen fuel when it becomes economically viable, protecting their investment. In summary, the new aeroderivative solutions provide economic value by reducing costs, enhancing fuel flexibility, and safeguarding grid reliability in an era of the clean energy transition.
Case Studies: Aeroderivative Solutions in Action
Real-world deployments illustrate how aeroderivative gas turbines provide value in practical applications. A recent example is Dominion Energy’s Bushy Park peaking plant in South Carolina. In February 2025, Dominion Energy began commercial operation of a new 52 MW unit powered by GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX package. This installation marked the first of its kind globally for the LM6000VELOX. The new aeroderivative unit replaced an older peaking turbine at the site and immediately demonstrated its advantages. With its fast-start capability and high efficiency, the Bushy Park unit can activate quickly to meet spikes in electricity demand, which is especially beneficial during hot summer afternoons when air conditioning increases load. Notably, the unit serves not only for peak power but also to support local solar farms on cloudy days, providing energy when solar generation is limited.
Another case under development highlights the future-forward potential of aeroderivative solutions. ATCO and the South Australian government have partnered with GE Vernova to build the Whyalla Hydrogen Power Plant in Australia. This 200 MW facility will use four LM6000VELOX aeroderivative units operating on renewable hydrogen. Announced in late 2024, this project will be the world’s first baseload power station fueled entirely by green hydrogen. The economic rationale is compelling: South Australia has abundant wind and solar resources that sometimes produce surplus electricity. That excess renewable power can be used to produce hydrogen (via electrolysis) and store it, which fuels the gas turbines to generate electricity when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining. The project, supported by the government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan, is also seen as an investment in a new industry—creating jobs in hydrogen production and showcasing Australian innovation.
Conclusion
Aeroderivative gas turbine technology has entered a new era characterized by rapid startup, improved efficiency, cleaner fuel capability, and modular deployment. GE Vernova’s latest offering, the LM6000VELOX, exemplifies this evolution with its 5-minute start, 100% hydrogen-fueled design, and streamlined installation process. These innovations are not just technical feats; they have significant economic and strategic implications. By providing fast, flexible power on demand, modern aeroderivatives are critical enablers for grids increasingly dominated by renewables, preventing outages and stabilizing energy supply. They also offer a pathway to decarbonize gas-fired generation via hydrogen, protecting investments as environmental mandates grow. The case studies illustrate the real-world impact, highlighting how aeroderivative turbines are already firming renewables, reducing emissions, and pioneering green hydrogen power generation.