Siemens H-Class technology goes into operation in the US

It's the second power plant with this technology.

According to a release, Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center in Florida began commercial operation on April 1, 2014. Plant operator is Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a subsidiary of America’s energy utility NextEra Energy Inc. Siemens supplied three of its SGT6-8000H-gas turbines for the project, each of which delivers an electrical generating capacity of 274 megawatts.

This new power plant in Florida joins the ranks of the most efficient power stations in the United States today, alongside the new plant in Cape Canaveral that went into operation last year.

The Riviera Beach facility is 33 percent more fuel-efficient than the oil-burning power plant units previously installed at this site.

The new power plant has cut carbon dioxide emissions by almost fifty percent and reduces air emissions by more than 90 percent. Generating a total output of 1,250 megawatts, this power plant produces enough electricity to power 250,000 Florida households as well as local industry.

“Successful commissioning of this second power plant in the U.S. featuring Siemens’ H-Class gas turbines clearly demonstrates once again the world-class technology our SGT-8000H gas turbines offer. This power plant project is yet further clear testimony to our proven technology leadership,” states John Wilson, Vice President gas turbine sales, Americas at Siemens Energy, Orlando.

“The Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center is yet another demonstration of our commitment to dramatically reducing our dependence on foreign oil, while at the same time, delivering clean, reliable and affordable electricity for all of our customers,” said Eric Silagy, president of FPL. 

The H-Class gas turbines from Siemens set the standard for high performance and efficiency. In May 2011, Siemens’ Model SGT5-8000H gas turbine achieved world-record efficiency of 60.75 percent in combined-cycle operation at Irsching Power Station in Germany. Siemens has sold 28 H-Class gas turbines worldwide to date. Nine of these are in commercial operation having meanwhile clocked up over 70,000 equivalent operating hours this gas turbine has proven extremely reliably in commercial operation. 

Siemens H-class turbines and the associated service are part of Siemens’ Environmental Portfolio. Around 43 percent of its total revenue stems from green products and solutions. That makes Siemens one of the world’s leading providers of eco-friendly technology.