20.July
Hawaiian Electric Orders GE Vernova Aeroderivative Units to Ensure Stable, Uninterrupted Power for Hawaii
- Six advanced LM6000VELOX™ aeroderivative gas turbine packages from GE Vernova will be installed to modernize the Waiau Power Plant in O’ahu, Hawaii.
- This multi-stage initiative will replace aging steam turbines, supporting Hawaii’s clean energy and emissions reduction targets.
- The high-efficiency, fuel-flexible turbines will be integrated within the existing plant footprint, minimizing community disruption while boosting grid reliability.
HONOLULU, (July 20, 2026) – GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) has been awarded a contract by Hawaiian Electric (HECO), the state’s primary electric utility, to deliver six LM6000VELOX™ aeroderivative turbine units for the repowering of the Waiau Power Plant in Pearl City, O’ahu. The project is on track for the first two units to enter commercial service by 2029, with additional units deployed in phases thereafter.
These compact, high-performance aeroderivative turbines will replace legacy oil-fired steam units, some of which are between 58 and 67 years old and scheduled for retirement. Once fully operational, the upgrade is projected to deliver over 250 megawatts (MW) of dependable power, ensuring consistent electricity supply during periods of low wind or solar generation.
“This initiative will modernize the plant with reliable, fuel-adaptive, and state-of-the-art technology,” said Mike DeCaprio, Hawaiian Electric Vice President of Power Supply. “It marks the most substantial upgrade to O‘ahu’s power generation infrastructure in decades, enhancing system resilience and enabling greater integration of renewable sources such as solar and battery storage.”
To meet the evolving demands of Hawaii’s isolated grid, Hawaiian Electric chose GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX aeroderivative turbines for their unmatched operational agility.
“We’re honored to partner with HECO in delivering fast, dependable, and increasingly sustainable power to Hawaii’s residents,” said Dave Ross, CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in the Americas. “Given that Hawaii’s grid operates independently without access to mainland power networks, rapid-response generation is essential. Our aeroderivative units can go from cold start to full output in under 10 minutes. Derived from jet engine technology, they are ideally suited to stabilize the grid when renewable energy output fluctuates.”
GE Vernova’s aeroderivative packages are capable of running on multiple liquid fuels, including locally produced biofuels, and can be adapted for liquefied natural gas if infrastructure becomes available. The project will leverage the existing Waiau Power Plant site and much of its current infrastructure, reducing both costs and local impact.
About GE Vernova
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-driven global energy leader, encompassing Power, Electrification, and Wind divisions, and powered by its accelerator businesses. Drawing on more than 130 years of innovation in solving global energy challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely equipped to lead the energy transition—advancing electrification while driving decarbonization. The company enables customers to power economies and deliver essential electricity that supports health, safety, security, and a higher quality of life. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., GE Vernova operates in approximately 100 countries with around 85,000 employees worldwide. Guided by its mission, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova is helping build a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future.