GE Vernova has secured an order to supply six LM2500XPRESS aeroderivative gas turbine packages to Puerto Rico, a move aimed at enhancing grid reliability and increasing generation capacity across the island. The project is part of a broader effort to modernize Puerto Rico’s power infrastructure and improve energy resilience.

The turbines have been ordered by RG Engineering (RGE), a Puerto Rican engineering, procurement, and construction firm, and will support the upgrade of power plants operated by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) at Daguao, Jobos, and Yabucoa. These facilities are currently managed by private operator Genera PR.

Once deployed, the six units are expected to deliver approximately 244 megawatts (MW) of power, helping to stabilize the grid, meet peak summer demand, and provide emergency backup capacity when needed.

Puerto Rico’s electricity system continues to face challenges following the damage caused by Hurricanes Maria (2017) and Fiona (2022), which significantly weakened grid infrastructure. The introduction of fast, flexible generation is seen as a critical step toward building a more resilient and responsive energy system.

At the same time, natural gas-fired technologies are expected to play a supporting role in the island’s transition toward renewable energy. Under the Puerto Rico Energy Public Policy Act of 2019, the territory aims to source 60% of its electricity from renewables by 2040 and reach 100% by 2050. Flexible gas turbines can help balance intermittent sources such as solar and wind, ensuring stable grid operation.

“These facilities are being upgraded with more efficient generation units as part of a broader modernization initiative,” said Winnie Irizarry, President and CEO of Genera PR. “The goal is to enhance capacity and reliability, improve performance during peak demand, and ultimately raise the quality of life for Puerto Rico’s residents. GE Vernova’s aeroderivative solutions allow us to respond quickly to grid demands and support overall system stability.”

Each LM2500XPRESS package includes a modular LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine and an integrated emissions control system. Derived from aviation technology, these units are capable of starting from cold conditions in five minutes or less and can handle frequent start-stop cycles without increasing maintenance requirements. This operational flexibility makes them well-suited for integrating renewable energy into the grid.

“GE Vernova is proud to support Puerto Rico in strengthening its energy infrastructure,” said Dave Ross, CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in the Americas. “Our aeroderivative gas turbines offer the responsiveness and efficiency needed to improve grid reliability while enabling further renewable integration. We look forward to supporting Genera PR and PREPA in enhancing energy security across the island.”

LM2500XPRESS Technology Overview

The LM2500XPRESS is designed for rapid deployment, with approximately 95% of each unit pre-assembled at the factory into modular components. This “plug-and-play” configuration significantly reduces installation time and complexity, making it ideal for situations where power is needed urgently.

The system can reach full output within five minutes from a cold start, providing immediate support to the grid. It is available in both simple-cycle and combined-cycle configurations and supports both 50 Hz and 60 Hz operations. In simple-cycle mode, the unit delivers up to 34 MW with efficiency levels of up to 39.5%. In combined-cycle configuration, output can reach approximately 47 MW with efficiency as high as 54.4%.

For this project, the units will be assembled at GE Vernova’s Gas Power Manufacturing Excellence Center in Veresegyház, Hungary.

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