Hawaiian Electric Orders GE Vernova Aeroderivative Packages to Help Hawaii's Power Remain Stable and Uninterrupted

­GE Vernova Inc. today announced it has secured a contract with Hawaiian Electric (HECO), the electric public utility in Hawaii, to supply six LM6000VELOX*aeroderivative package units to repower the aging oil-fired steam turbines at its Waiau Power Plant facility in Pearl City, O’ahu. The project is currently on schedule for the first two units to be in commercial operation in 2029, with subsequent units coming online in phases.

These smaller and more efficient aeroderivative turbine units will replace assets ranging from 58 to 67 years old that are currently slated for retirement. Upon completion, this project is expected to add over 250 megawatts (MW) of firm power to the grid, helping ensure reliable service when variable renewable resources like wind and solar are unavailable.

“The project will repower the facility with proven, fuel-flexible and modern technology,” saidMike DeCaprio, Hawaiian Electric Vice President of Power Supply. “This represents the most significant modernization of the O‘ahu generation infrastructure in decades and it will strengthen the reliability and resilience of our system while supporting the integration of more renewable resources like solar and energy storage.” 

To achieve this, Hawaiian Electric selected GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX aeroderivative solutions to provide the precise operational flexibility required for the modern Hawaiian grid.

"We are proud to support HECO in their mission to provide fast, reliable, and more sustainable power to the people of Hawaii. Because Hawaii’s energy grid is isolated and cannot rely on continental interconnections for emergency support, the need for rapid-response capability is paramount,” said Dave Ross, CEO of GE Vernova's Gas Power business in the America’s pole. “By deploying our aeroderivative units, HECO gains the benefit of efficient and modular power assets that can transition from a cold start to full load in under 10 minutes. This jet engine-derived technology is uniquely suited to balance the variable nature of renewable energy, helping to ensure grid stability when it is needed most."

GE Vernova’s aeroderivative packages can operate on a variety of liquid fuels, including biofuels produced locally, and can be converted to run on liquefied natural gas if it becomes available. The project will utilize the current land footprint of Waiau Power Plant and reuse much of the existing infrastructure, which reduces cost and community impact.