Calon Energy has selected GE to modernize the 800MW Sutton Bridge power station located in Lincolnshire, UK.
The upgrade project will improve the natural gas-fired combined-cycle facility’s output by 3.4%, and help reduce startup times and operating costs.
GE will upgrade the two existing GE 9FA gas turbines and a D-11 steam turbine at the power station with multiple applications from the OpFlex controls software suite, a Dry Low NOx 2.6+ combustor and advanced gas path (AGP) technology solutions.
The upgrade package will include OpFlex enhanced transient stability, AutoTune, variable load path, cold-day performance, extended turndown, variable inlet bleed heat and variable airflow and steam turbine agility applications.
GE will also be responsible for steam turbine thermal blankets for improved cold-start capability and upgrades to balance-of-plant equipment.
Slated to commence in mid-2016, the modernization work will also allow the plant to generate power with extended periods between planned outages to meet the power requirements in the country.
Calon Energy CEO Kevin McCullough said: "Along with other combined-cycle gas turbine plants in the U.K., Sutton Bridge has competed with subsidized renewables, cheap coal and high gas prices."
Since 2013, GE has been responsible for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Sutton Bridge power station under a multiyear services agreement.
Image: The Sutton Bridge power plant in Lincolnshire, UK. Photo: courtesy of General Electric.