Energy equipment manufacturing company GE Vernova has successfully completed the modernisation of global energy and chemical company Sasol’s Secunda power plant, in Mpumalanga.

The modernisation included the replacement of the existing pre-combustor system with a new DLN1+ combustor, supplemented by a fuel gas module (FGM) skid to increase the operational efficiency of the two installed 9E gas turbines and reduce carbon emissions.

The company says this project serves as a model for modernising power plants across Africa.

As the continent faces increasing energy demands, initiatives like this highlight how innovative solutions can enable more efficient energy production with reduced emissions, without requiring entirely new infrastructure, says GE Vernova.

The company notes that the upgrade led to significant improvements, including a reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions significantly below the guaranteed values of 25 ppm, representing a reduction of three-quarters from previous levels.

The upgrade has also allowed for the avoidance of using water as a diluent with the DLN technology, with an expected water consumption saving equivalent to about 64 Olympic pools per turbine every year.

There is also an efficiency improvement compared with the previous combustor, translating to about 10 000 t less CO₂ emitted per gas turbine, supporting Sasol’s environmental objectives.

Other improvements include an extension of the maintenance intervals, reducing downtime and operational costs, as well as enhanced reliability of the power supply delivered to the national grid.

"This project exemplifies our purpose to electrify the world.

"Building on our advanced combustion technologies, we are helping Sasol address South Africa’s energy needs more efficiently. Together, we are demonstrating how advanced technologies can deliver tangible benefits for both businesses and communities,” says GE Vernova gas power business in Europe, Middle East and Africa president and CEO Joseph Anis.

The company says this project will be showcased at Enlit Africa, taking place from May 20 to 22 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, in Cape Town.

GE Vernova’s participation will include interactive activities at booth C22 in Hall 3 and speaking sessions covering a wide range of topics, including: a keynote on technology-driven transformation, smart grids and the future of energy management, digitisation and modernisation of projects and accelerating women in energy. 

GE Vernova notes that it has contributed to the development of the energy infrastructure in Africa for over a century, supporting power generation, transmission and distribution solutions, energy sector software applications, talent development and community outreach.