GE Vernova’s Gas Power business announced the successful start of commercial operation for Naepo District Heating Plant, a district heating plant located in Naepo City, South Korea, powered by GE’s H-Class gas combined cycle equipment. (GE Vernova)

South Korea’s Naepo District Heating Plant started commercial operation, powered by GE Vernova’s H-Class combined cycle equipment.

The 500 MW Naepo District Heating Plant is equipped with a 7HA.02 gas turbine, paired with its matching H65 generator, an STF-D650 Steam Turbine powering an H35 generator, a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), and a GE Vernova condenser. In addition, the project includes comprehensive equipment maintenance services for 19 years. The electricity produced goes to the national grid and steam is produced for district heating for over 100,000 citizens of Naepo City.

The new district heating plant, built by Lotte Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (Lotte E&C), one of South Korea’s top engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, replaces a planned Solid Refuse Fuel boiler plant, contributing to the government’s objective of shifting away from high-emitting projects.

“We’re proud that GE’s H-Class technology supported this first-of-its-kind fuel conversion of the Naepo cogeneration plant. Changing the main energy source of the heat source facility from waste solid fuel (SRF) to liquefied natural gas (LNG) leads to significant improvements in fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced cost-effectiveness,” said Ramesh Singaram, President & CEO for GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Asia. “Our HA technology has demonstrated industry-leading performance with close to 64% efficiency in combined cycle mode and over 91% efficiency in district heating mode. By capturing and reusing waste heat or steam that would otherwise be released into the environment, the plant increases energy output while reducing carbon emissions per unit of fuel consumed and supporting the transition towards a lower carbon future in the country.”