Western Farmers Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) and GE Vernova Inc. announced the order for two new GE Vernova’s aeroderivative LM6000VELOX* package solutions, each including an LM6000* gas turbine and a generator, to replace aging steam turbines at its Anadarko Plant, Oklahoma. These new units are expected to expand the power plant, currently powered by five LM6000 PC gas turbines (two installed and commissioned in 1999, three units installed ten years later, in 2009). When the expansion will be completed, the Anadarko Plant is expected to deliver up to 350 megawatts (MW) with a total of seven LM6000 gas turbines.

“At WFEC, we continually evaluate capacity needs, while focusing on both the present and future power requirements of our members, and we are committed to maintain a reliable supply of electricity well into the future,” said Justin Soderberg, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative. “We selected GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX units due to their fast start and quick ramp up/down capabilities. Rapid renewable energy growth presents system operators and energy providers with the increasingly difficult task of continuously ensuring stability of the grid and a reliable power supply, as renewable generation assets like wind turbines and solar farms are slightly less predictable by their very nature. Conversely, the aeroderivative gas turbines, powered by natural gas can help stabilize the grid and reduce the risk of electricity supply shortages.”

These aeroderivative units, derived from jet-engine technology powering the world’s airlines jets and well-known in the power generation industry for their quick start time in as little as 5 minutes to full power, will be a great complement to WFEC’s robust portfolio of almost 1,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable projects already in service or scheduled to be in service by the end of the decade.

WFEC has been working with Sargent & Lundy (S&L) as the owner’s engineer for the expansion of the plant. S&L is an engineering firm based in Chicago, Ill. S&L has worked hand in hand with WFEC staff on selecting the appropriate technology for these new units and developing a turbine specification. Fagen, Inc. has been selected as the EPC Contractor. The works are expected to start in late 2024 and be completed in late 2026.

*Trademark of GE Vernova and/or of its affiliates

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