Australian mining giant Rio Tinto reports that it has selected power and water technology company General Electric’s (GE’s) aeroderivative gas turbine technology to supply reliable power needed for iron-ore production at two mining sites in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Rio Tinto is implementing Australia’s largest-ever integrated mining project to expand the capacity of its Pilbara operations by 50%, from the current 237-million tonnes a year to up to 360-million tonnes a year by 2015.

The mine recently installed GE’s ecomagination-qualified LM6000-PF Sprint aeroderivative gas turbine with dual-fuel dry low emissions (DLE) technology for a new on-site power plant at its West Angelas iron-ore mine, in the remote Pilbara region.

GE’s aeroderivative gas turbine and steam turbine technologies have been selected for a new combined-cycle power station that will improve off-grid power generation at Cape Lambert, a seaport used for exporting iron-ore from the company’s Pilbara mines.

This project is said to enhance the security, reliability and efficiency of Rio Tinto’s power supply infrastructure across the Pilbara region.

Located in the remote Pilbara region, 110 km west of Newman town, Rio Tinto’s West Angelas mine requires heavy-duty, reliable and efficient sources of power to ensure uninterrupted operation.

“Rio Tinto turned to GE to provide an on-site power solution at the remote West Angelas site, as a result of the technical and logistical obstacles involved with adding a mine to the electricity grid,” the company states.
“These two very different projects for Rio Tinto reflect the ability of the global mining industry to use our highly flexible aeroderivative gas turbine technology to support industrial on-site power and grid- support projects that promote local energy security,” says GE power and water VP and chief commercial officer Darryl Wilson.

In the 40MW to 50 MW power range, the LM6000 is one of the most efficient open-cycle gas turbines in the world. The turbines deliver more than 40 MW of power at more than 40% efficiency, while maintaining 25 parts per million (ppm) nitrous oxide levels when running on gas fuel and 85 ppm when running on diesel fuel.

Additionally, GE’s dual-fuel DLE tech- nology minimises nitrous oxide emissions without needing water injection, which is a significant benefit for customers with limited water availability, a common issue in Australia.

GE’s LM6000-PF is the next genera- tion of GE’s DLE technology. With the dual-fuel DLE combustor, the LM6000-PF can be operated on natural gas or diesel fuels, allowing Rio Tinto to continuously operate the plant regardless of fuel supply issues.

The Cape Lambert power project marks the first time GE’s LM6000-PF is used for a combined-cycle power application in Australia. GE is supplying an integrated 130 MW combined-cycle power island package for the project, featuring two GE LM6000-PF gas turbines, two once-through steam generators, a GE oil and gas steam turbine and balance of plant equipment.

GE will supply the power island to Forge Group Power, which has the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the complete power station.
By using natural gas in combined-cycle mode, the port’s new generating plant will improve grid stability, produce power more efficiently at baseload and reduce emissions, compared with the use of other fossil fuels.

The company is scheduled to deliver its gas turbines to Cape Lambert in the third quarter of 2013, and the plant is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2015.

“GE’s portfolio of innovative distributed power solutions enables businesses and communities around the world to generate reliable and efficient power using a variety of fuels anywhere, whether on or off the grid,” the company says.

It adds that distributed power solutions enable customers of all types – including industrial businesses, developing commu- nities or government agencies managing disaster relief and other emergency power situations – to generate efficient and reli- able power whenever and wherever it is needed.

Its distributed power portfolio includes GE aeroderivative gas turbines, Jenbacher and Waukesha gas engines and clean-cycle waste heat recovery solutions.

Ecomagination is GE’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that increase resources, drive economic performance and help to make the world work better.