Introduction to Combustion Turbines and the Power Generation Landscape

Electric power generation is in the midst of a transformation. Energy companies and electric utilities have been making significant strides in developing their renewable energy portfolios. At the same time, power demand is quickly growing, driven largely by the explosive growth in data centers. These market forces have created a need for efficient, environmentally friendly and rapidly dispatchable power generation. Natural gas-fired turbines are a great solution and are becoming increasingly important for utilities to meet their goals of producing, saving energy and working efficiently.

Another factor to consider is the shift to renewable energy, which can impact power grid stability based on the availability of wind and solar. Combustion turbines, a form of natural gas turbines, are an ideal solution as they provide spinning reserves and can ramp quickly up and down when wind or solar generation fluctuates to avoid power grid problems. Additionally, natural gas is cleaner than other carbon-based fuels and is often the primary fuel for combustion turbines.

In this blog, we will explore how combustion turbines meet the growing power demands and play a critical role in supporting the transition of grid infrastructure to a more sustainable and stable energy future. 

Aeroderivative-type combustion turbines are particularly valuable in peaking plants and renewable firming projects. Peaking plants are power plants that accommodate increased demand for power. As previously mentioned, renewable energy has opened new power grid stability concerns, and natural gas-fired turbines are frequently used to provide the firming required for grid reliability. They provide the flexibility and reliability to balance the grid when renewable energy sources cannot meet demand.  

 

As demand for data centers continues to grow across the U.S., some owners are beginning to build their own power generation to accommodate energy needs. Combustion turbines are viable solutions for data centers because they can supplement renewable power generation. By offering rapid-response solutions, Stanley Consultants can help clients create a stable energy supply, even under fluctuating conditions. 

Stanley Consultants leads in combustion turbine innovation, offering comprehensive grid stability services in planning, design and environmental permitting. Our focus on clean gas turbine technology is pivotal in enhancing grid stability and operational efficiency.  

Using combustion turbine technology provides the spinning reserves and quick startup capabilities needed to manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Combustion turbines can be quickly modified in existing plants for greater operational flexibility. The projects below showcase our expertise in advancing combustion turbine power plant generation.

 

The Martin Drake Power Plant is a prime example of combustion turbine technology in action. This project demonstrates the transition from coal-powered generation to cleaner energy alternatives, primarily using dual-fuel generation with a focus on natural gas turbine efficiency. The coal-fired power generation is being replaced with 180 MW of dual-fuel generation. This setup will include six 30 MW simple-cycle GE LM2500 Xpress aeroderivative units, which will be located at the Drake site.  

 

This shift supports the city of Colorado Springs’ goal of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing renewable energy integration in power grids. The new power plant serves as a model for other regions aiming for a similar transition, highlighting how combustion turbines can significantly aid in achieving operational flexibility and supporting the renewable energy transition. 

 

The Mountain Peak Power Plant, a new natural gas-fired peaker plant in Colorado, will also feature the new GE LM2500 Xpress unit. These units, notable for their rapid start capabilities, can begin operation in as few as five minutes. This expedient operation is essential for addressing peak electricity demands in the Colorado market. The plant will include six modular units, which are 95% factory-assembled, allowing for a simplified and expedited installation process.  

This project supports the energy transition by quickly providing reliable power to match the intermittency of renewable energy sources. It also improves the reliability of the region’s power supply. This approach is particularly significant as Colorado moves away from coal-fired plants toward greater renewable energy generation, marking a substantial value addition in terms of operational efficiency and environmental impact.  

Stanley Consultants recently teamed with Relevant Power Solutions to create a series of reference plants for the new Solar Titan 350 and Solar Titan 250 machines. The Titan 350 turbine can generate up to 39 MW, while the Titan 250 can generate up to 23 MW per unit. Both are popular options for power generation in industrial applications. 

The reference plant designs are high-level designs that can be implemented anywhere. The Stanley team completed eight total reference plant designs; four onshore and four offshore, for floating production, storage and offloading vessels. We look forward to designing and developing more projects incorporating Solar Titan turbines.

Stanley Consultants employs extensive expertise across all engineering disciplines to solve our clients' toughest challenges. We excel in addressing unique challenges by collaborating closely with client teams to create innovative and optimal solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our natural gas power generation services.