GE Vernova Underscores the Role of Flexible Power in Supporting Vietnam’s Evolving Power System

In this dynamic landscape, the challenge is no longer just about adding capacity; it is about ensuring the grid can respond flexibly to a modern energy mix. Shanshan Liang, Product Champion for Aeroderivative Gas Turbines at GE Vernova, highlighted how aero-derivative gas turbines provide the rapid, flexible power generation that is essential for helping ensure grid stability in Vietnam.

Flexible Gas Power as a Solution for System Stability

Flexible power solutions are designed to respond rapidly to changes in demand and renewable output, while supporting critical grid functions such as frequency control, reserve capacity, and voltage regulation.

Ms. Shanshan Liang, Technology Specialist for Aero Gas Turbines at GE Vernova

Speaking at the forum, the GE Vernova representative highlighted that aeroderivative gas turbines offer a practical approach to delivering this flexibility. Derived from aviation technology, these turbines are capable of fast start-ups - reaching full power within minutes - and feature high ramp rates, enabling them to quickly compensate for sudden drops in renewable generation or spikes in electricity demand. Their ability to operate efficiently across a wide load range, combined with high cyclic life supporting frequent start-stop operation with low maintenance impact, makes them particularly suitable for power systems with high renewable penetration.

“In the era of energy transition, aeroderivative gas turbines play an important role in enabling the growth of renewable energy,” Liang said. “Their ability to cycle on and off multiple times a day without significant maintenance penalties makes them essential for balancing the intermittency of wind and solar. By providing high-efficiency power exactly when and where it is needed, aeroderivative gas turbines ensure grid resilience while accelerating the journey toward a lower-carbon future.”

Beyond power generation, these technologies also support “grid firming”, a critical function in systems with high renewable penetration. These capabilities include inertia, system strength, fast frequency response, voltage support, and enhanced system resilience under fluctuating conditions. The gas turbines can operate in synchronous condensing mode, contributing to grid stability. With their advanced design, aeroderivative gas turbines can switch efficiently between power generation and synchronous condensing modes.

Overview of the Forum “Improving and Perfecting Regulations for Gas Power and Energy Storage Development (2026-2030).

From Global Success to Vietnam’s Path

In markets such as the United States, Australia, and Europe, flexible gas power solutions are increasingly used to balance the variability of renewable generation while ensuring a reliable electricity supply.

In Tennessee, USA, GE Vernova’s Aeroderivative gas turbines play a pivotal role for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), delivering 550MW of fast, dispatchable power through 10 LM6000VELOX units. These units are the complementary partner for renewable energy, stabilizing the grid during periods of peak demand. As a senior project manager at TVA noted, this technology allows the grid to “quickly meet demand during peak energy usage” while supplementing solar generation on days when sunshine is limited.

LM6000 series gas turbines.

Following a major blackout in 2016, South Australia needed a rapid solution to stabilize a grid powered by up to 100% renewables. GE Vernova deployed nine TM2500 mobile gas turbines in just 50 days, providing critical grid firming to balance intermittent wind and solar. This fast-track project restored energy security for 850,000 customers while delivering lower-emission power than planned.

Ireland’s Tarbert project serves as another global best practice for stabilizing a high-renewable grid. By deploying three LM6000PC Sprint gas turbines to provide 150 MW of instant reserve power, the site successfully counters the natural fluctuations of wind energy. This turnkey solution proves that quick-start aeroderivative technology is the essential anchor for grid reliability, ensuring that the transition to green energy never compromises the security of supply.

Vietnam’s leap toward renewables requires more than just wind and solar; it needs a reliable stabilizer. Aeroderivative gas turbines are the essential "firming" partner for the grid, offering >99% reliability and >98% availability to bridge the gaps for daily and seasonal support. By providing instant, dispatchable power, they ensure that the transition to green energy never comes at the cost of system stability or power security.

GE's advanced derivative gas turbine, the LM2500XPRESS.

Beyond stability, these technologies offer comprehensive operational agility for a growing economy. Their mobile, trailer-mounted design allows Vietnam to deploy "power on wheels" exactly where it’s needed, without the maintenance penalties usually associated with daily start-stops. For Vietnam, aeroderivative gas turbines also represent the reliable and flexible path to balancing rapid growth with a low-carbon future.

GE Vernova's AERO-GT aerodynamic turbines play a vital role for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) - USA.

A Collaboration for the Long Haul

“GE Vernova views Vietnam as one of our most vital strategic markets globally. Our Aeroderivative gas turbine technology is suited for Vietnam because it can go from cold to full load in just few minutes, providing the immediate 'peak power' support needed when renewable sources fluctuate. We are committed to collaborating with Vietnam’s energy-related departments to deploy these high-reliability solutions, ensuring the power system remains stable, affordable, and ready for a net-zero future,” Liang emphasized at the forum.

Unlocking the full value of these technologies will also depend on appropriate industry mechanisms and regulatory frameworks. A balanced approach combining flexible gas power, renewable energy, and storage will be key to building a power system that is not only low-carbon but also stable and resilient in the long term.

GE Vernova’s commitment to this mission is already deeply rooted. We are currently responsible for approximately 30% of Vietnam’s electricity, including a proven foundation of over 2.2 GW of installed gas power capacity. Driven by our mission to Electrify to Thrive and Decarbonize, we stand ready to leverage this extensive footprint and our flexible aeroderivative gas turbine solutions to drive Vietnam’s energy transition forward - a partnership built for the long haul./.