GE works with TransCanada to launch flagship NovaLT16 gas turbine

GE has launched a new 16.5 megawatt (MW) gas turbine (NovaLT16) for mechanical drive and power generation applications in the oil and gas industry, the company announced on Tuesday.

The announcement was made at the Turbomachinery Symposium in Houston.

Developed by GE Oil & Gas to meet the industry's evolving challenges, GE says the NovaLT16 combines the best technology from industry-proven GE turbines and benefits from the industry insights of TransCanada, a major North American energy infrastructure company.

As a result of the GE-TransCanada collaboration on the pipeline configuration of the unit, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to progress development of the turbine, including technical evaluation, gas station layout optimization and negotiation of the terms and conditions for purchase.

"We strive to remain an innovator and to continue testing new technology that could result in cost savings and emission reductions within our facilities," said David Montemurro, vice president of TransCanada's facilities and pipeline projects segment. "We're pleased to have signed the MOU to highlight our commitment towards the development of a more energy efficient gas turbine."

GE notes that modern oil and gas operators need to transport gas from more remote locations, in harsh environments and under more stringent regulations. These challenges increase demand for efficiency, emissions reduction and maintainability of the critical equipment.

The 16.5 MW NovaLT16 gas turbine will provide up to 37% mechanical efficiency, which raises the standards of efficient and reliable pipeline compressions, power generation and oil and gas plant compression applications, thereby helping to meet increasing energy demand across the world, according to GE officials.

"This collaboration with TransCanada has enabled us to develop a winning alternative for the oil and gas industry in North America," said Rafael Santana, CEO of the turbomachinery solutions business of GE Oil & Gas. "Together, we will develop a solution specifically tailored to meet market challenges around increasing efficiency, reducing waste emissions and increasing reliability."

More details on the turbine and the GE-TransCanada collaboration can be found in the news release at GE's website.

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