International energy provider Uniper, based in Dusseldorf, Germany, is collaborating with GE Vernova to upgrade three GT26 gas turbines at the Grain power station in Kent, in the southeast of England.
The GT26 high efficiency (HE) upgrade aims to enhance efficiency and power output, aligning with Uniper’s goal to decarbonise its fleet by reducing carbon intensity at the plant.
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Uniper power station manager for Enfield, Grain and Taylors Lane Bill Cliff stated: “Increasing efficiency and the ability to maintain high availability, while lowering operational and maintenance costs, is crucial for the long-term success of Grain power station.
“We worked with GE Vernova on the validation of GE Vernova’s GT26 HE upgrade at our Enfield power station, so we already had experience of this technology. Investment in our assets to reduce their carbon intensity, increase capacity and maintain reliability for security of supply is key for both Grain and Enfield power stations.”
At the Enfield plant, the modernisation project has enhanced performance and increased the maintenance interval of the combined cycle gas turbine.
GE Vernova’s previous testing of the GT26 HE technology showed a 25MW increase in plant output per unit, a 1% efficiency increase in part load and a 1.8% baseload efficiency increase, resulting in up to $1m fuel savings per unit annually and extended maintenance intervals up to 32,000 hours.
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By GlobalDataGE Vernova’s gas power business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa president and CEO Joseph Anis stated: “For years, GE Vernova and Uniper have worked together to build and maintain power plants using leading technologies, and this upgrade marks another example of our successful cooperation.
“This upgrade is expected to revitalise Uniper’s Grain power plant and to increase its reliability and availability in the Great Britain generation landscape, supporting its long-term profitability and viability. GE Vernova is well-positioned to provide services and upgrade solutions as customers continue to invest in their fleets to meet rising electricity demand and improve performance.”
By the end of March 2025, the GT26 HE fleet had achieved more than 100,000 operating hours, with 15 units sold and eight units in operation. This milestone underscores the GT26 HE upgrade’s performance and reliability.
In May 2025, GE Vernova secured an order for five 7H-Class gas turbines from Técnicas Reunidas and Orascom Construction for the Qurayyah independent power plant (QIPP) expansion project, a 3GW combined cycle gas-fired power plant in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
