• GE Vernova will begin upgrading three GT26 gas turbines at Uniper’s Grain power station in Kent, UK, starting in 2026
• The modernization is designed to improve plant efficiency and increase electricity output while lowering carbon emissions per megawatt generated
• The same GT26 High Efficiency (HE) technology was first introduced at Uniper’s Enfield power station in 2021
• The project supports Uniper’s broader strategy to decarbonize its generation fleet while maintaining reliable power supply

LONDON, United Kingdom (June 5, 2025) – GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) announced that Uniper has signed a long-term service agreement covering the upgrade of three GT26 gas turbine units operating at the Grain power station in Kent, England. The GT26 High Efficiency upgrade package is expected to enhance both efficiency and generation capacity while helping reduce the facility’s carbon intensity.

Bill Cliff, Power Station Manager for Uniper’s Enfield, Grain and Taylors Lane facilities, stated that improving efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility remains essential for the long-term future of the Grain site. He noted that Uniper previously collaborated with GE Vernova during the implementation and validation of the GT26 HE upgrade at the Enfield power station, giving the company direct operational experience with the technology. According to Cliff, investments that lower emissions, strengthen reliability, and increase generation capability are vital to maintaining energy security across the UK grid.

At the Enfield facility, the earlier modernization project delivered measurable improvements in efficiency and plant performance while extending maintenance intervals for the combined-cycle gas turbine system. GE Vernova’s testing and operational data for the GT26 HE platform demonstrated the potential for approximately 25 MW of additional output per turbine unit, roughly 1% higher efficiency during part-load operation, and close to 1.8% improvement at baseload conditions. These gains can translate into fuel savings of up to $1 million annually per unit while also extending maintenance cycles to approximately 32,000 operating hours.

Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said the project reflects the long-standing collaboration between GE Vernova and Uniper in developing and servicing modern power infrastructure. He added that the Grain upgrade is expected to strengthen the plant’s operational reliability and long-term competitiveness within the UK electricity market. Anis also emphasized that growing electricity demand is driving utilities to invest further in efficiency upgrades and modernization programs for existing generation assets.

GT26 HE upgrade overview

The GT26 High Efficiency upgrade combines innovations from GE Vernova’s F-Class and H-Class turbine technologies. The package incorporates additive-manufactured components along with advances in combustion engineering and materials science to improve turbine performance and durability.

By the end of March 2025, the GT26 HE fleet had accumulated more than 100,000 operating hours worldwide. With 15 units sold and eight already in operation, the platform continues to demonstrate strong reliability and operational performance.

Expected benefits of the GT26 HE upgrade include:

• Approximately 2% higher baseload efficiency for combined-cycle plants
• Up to 1% efficiency improvement during part-load operation
• Increased plant output ranging from 15 MW to 55 MW per unit
• Lower fuel consumption and improved economic performance
• Extended maintenance intervals and improved operational flexibility

These performance estimates are based on GT26 2006 configuration units operating around 6,500 hours annually, including approximately 4,000 full-load operating hours each year.

About Uniper

Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, Uniper operates as a major international energy company with activities in more than 40 countries and a workforce of roughly 7,500 employees. The company plays an important role in supporting energy security across Europe, particularly in Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Uniper’s portfolio includes electricity generation, global energy trading operations, and extensive gas infrastructure. The company also manages gas storage assets with a combined capacity exceeding 7 billion cubic meters and maintains long-term LNG regasification capacity at the Grain LNG terminal in Kent.

Uniper has set a target to become carbon-neutral by 2040. As part of this strategy, the company continues investing in flexible power generation technologies, renewable energy expansion, hydrogen infrastructure, and lower-carbon fuel solutions.

About GE Vernova

GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a global energy company focused on Power, Electrification, and Wind technologies, supported by a range of accelerator businesses. Building on more than 130 years of industrial experience, GE Vernova develops technologies aimed at supporting electrification and reducing carbon emissions worldwide.

Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, GE Vernova operates in approximately 100 countries with around 85,000 employees globally. The company’s Gas Power business develops advanced natural gas technologies, power generation equipment, and decarbonization solutions designed to help utilities improve efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility while supporting the transition to lower-carbon energy systems.

Source