en.Wedoany.com Reported - GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) announced on July 20, 2026, that it has signed a contract with Hawaiian Electric (HECO) to supply six LM6000VELOX aeroderivative units to replace aging oil-fired steam turbines scheduled for retirement at the Waiau Power Plant in Pearl City, Oahu. The project is currently on track, with the first two units expected to enter commercial operation in 2029, and the remaining units to be connected to the grid in phases.
These smaller, more efficient aeroderivative gas turbines will replace aging assets with operating lives ranging from 58 to 67 years. Upon completion, the project is expected to add over 250 megawatts (MW) of stable output to the grid, helping ensure reliable power supply when variable renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are unavailable.
Mike DeCaprio, Vice President of Power Supply at Hawaiian Electric, stated that the project will retrofit the facility with proven, fuel-flexible, and modern technology, representing the most significant modernization of Oahu's power generation infrastructure in decades. It will enhance system reliability and resilience while supporting the integration of more renewable energy sources such as solar and energy storage.
To this end, Hawaiian Electric selected GE Vernova's LM6000VELOX aeroderivative solution to provide the precise operational flexibility required for the modern Hawaiian grid.
Dave Ross, CEO of Gas Power Business for the Americas at GE Vernova, said the company is proud to support HECO in delivering fast, reliable, and more sustainable power to the people of Hawaii. Given that Hawaii's grid is isolated and cannot rely on mainland interconnections for emergency support, rapid response capability is critical. By deploying aeroderivative units, HECO gains the advantages of efficient, modular power generation assets that can transition from cold start to full load in less than 10 minutes. This technology, derived from jet engines, is well-suited to balancing the variability of renewable energy, ensuring grid stability when it is most needed.
GE Vernova's aeroderivative units can operate on a variety of liquid fuels, including locally produced biofuels, and can be converted to use liquefied natural gas when conditions permit. The project will utilize existing land at the Waiau Power Plant and repurpose much of the existing infrastructure, thereby reducing costs and minimizing community impact.
