OREANDA-NEWS. GE (NYSE: GE) announced its jet engine-based aeroderivative gas turbines have been chosen to power First Generation Corporation's (First Gen) Avion power plant in the Philippines. The 97-megawatt (MW) plant will pave the way for increasing utilization of cleaner and more efficient energy technology than more traditional fossil fuels in the local power generation industry, and GE's LM6000-PC Sprint gas turbines will be the first of their kind in the country.

Aeroderivative gas turbine technology-part of GE's distributed power portfolio-is an innovation derived from GE's CF6 aviation engine, which powers many wide-body aircraft worldwide. GE's aeroderivative gas turbines have the capability to burn both liquid fuel and natural gas. There are more than 3,200 aeroderivative gas turbines installed globally.

“The same reliability, efficiency, low-emission levels and fast-start capabilities from the CF6 are carried over into the LM6000-PC Sprint, providing a remarkably simple yet effective solution to address power needs quickly and flexibly,” explained Dennis Villasper, GE's manager for power generation for Philippines and Guam.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with First Gen in addressing the growing energy needs of the Philippines with our distributed power technology,” said GE Philippines Chief Executive Officer Jocot de Dios. “We are very grateful to First Gen for choosing the GE LM6000 gas turbine for the Avion project, and we are confident that our technology-which has been servicing many customers globally in different applications-will provide the perfect fit to the country's pressing power needs.”

Under First Gen unit Prime Meridian Powergen Corporation, the Avion power plant will utilize Malampaya gas and diesel fuel and is seen to potentially utilize resources from the power producer's planned liquefied natural gas terminal in Batangas. The turbines provide fast, flexible and efficient power to address the needs of the local power grid, especially in a wholesale spot electricity segment. The LM6000-PC Sprint can accommodate a variety of operating needs, including fast starts and peak loads, while leading the industry in high availability and reliability.

With an expected 10-month project completion goal, Avion will be the fastest built power project in the Philippines and ready to handle future power crises in 2015 onwards. The modular package design of the LM6000-PC Sprint allows for faster installation and lower costs compared to other configurations, and the increasing use of natural gas in the region makes GE's technology an ideal fit in ASEAN countries.

“Other ASEAN countries have recognized the importance of the aero technology earlier than us,” added Villasper. “As the Philippines has matured and the base load needs were addressed, there is now a focus to cater to the peak loads of the system, and our aero gas turbines are designed for such use.”

GE Power & Water's Distributed Power business is a leading provider of power equipment, engines and services, focused on power generation at or near the point of use. Distributed Power's product portfolio includes GE's aeroderivative gas turbines and reciprocating engines, which generate 100 kilowatts to 100 MW of power for numerous industries globally. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Distributed Power employs about 5,000 people around the world.