Helping EDF meet Europe’s energy goals

Électricité de France (EDF), one of the world’s largest utilities, is at the forefront of innovation. The introduction of the most efficient combined-cycle gas turbine, GE’s 9HA.01, will complement the mix of power-generating assets at EDF’s new plant in Bouchain, France. This technology will help conserve natural gas and reduce greenhouse gases, while helping France carve a path to meeting Europe’s climate and energy.

With the rising importance and broader integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind across Europe, one of the most complex power generation challenges has become enabling the greatest amount of flexibility while ensuring high efficiency and overall reliability. The sun doesn't always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow, but grid stability can be achieved with the right balance of power-generating assets and technology.

In an innovative collaboration with GE, EDF is building a GE FlexEfficiency50 combined-cycle power plant in Bouchain, France. As renewables generate electricity, GE’s 9HA.01 heavy-duty gas turbine can be “turned down” to as low as 30 percent of its top generating capability while still meeting emission requirements. This turndown ability is 20 points better than its nearest competitor, allowing EDF to more efficiently balance its generating capability with renewables and its customers’ needs for electricity.