Most powerful simple cycle gas power plant, world record in Lincoln County, North Carolina

July 4, 2024

Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States--Siemens Energy’s 60Hz SGT6-9000HL gas turbine achieved a power output of 410.9 MW (corrected to ISO standard conditions) operating under a multi-year field-test and verification program at Duke Energy’s Lincoln Combustion Turbine Station near Denver, North Carolina, thus setting the world record for the Most powerful simple cycle gas power plant, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Duke Energy’s Lincoln Combustion Turbine Station, powered by Siemens Energy’s SGT6-9000HL (60-Hz) turbine, has been certified with the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the “most powerful simple-cycle gas power plant” with an output of 410.9 megawatts.

"As part of an innovative agreement, Siemens Energy installed and is currently testing its SGT6-9000HL turbine at Duke Energy’s Lincoln Combustion Turbine Station, about 25 miles north of Charlotte, NC.

"The new unit can generate enough energy to power more than 300,000 homes."

"Siemens Energy’s SGT6-9000HL is designed to run longer between maintenance cycles and will be the most efficient of its type in Duke Energy’s fleet (about 34 percent more efficient than the existing combustion turbines at the Lincoln site).

"“Power output, efficiency and operational flexibility are crucial elements in the decarbonization of the energy sector,” says Karim Amin, Executive Board Member at Siemens Energy.

“This GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title demonstrates our capability as a technology leader working together with Duke Energy to accelerate the path towards net-zero emissions.”

"“Duke Energy is pursuing an aggressive clean energy transition, already achieving more than 40 percent carbon reduction since 2005,” said Kevin Murray, Vice President of Project Management & Construction at Duke Energy.

“The new gas turbine at our Lincoln site will become the most fuel-efficient gas turbine in our fleet. The unit’s fast start and high ramp rate capability will support the increase in renewables we are placing on our system while complementing our journey to net-zero carbon from electricity generation by 2050.”

"The power output of the unit is complemented by its agility. When renewables like solar or wind fluctuate, power from the HL-class turbine can quickly be added to the grid to meet market demands and help stabilize the power supply.

The equipment that achieved the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title was delivered to the Lincoln site in November of 2019 and was started for the first time in April 2020. It’s the first 60-Hz HL-class turbine from Siemens Energy."

"Powered by Siemens Energy’s SGT6-9000HL 60 Hz turbine and owned by Duke Energy, this “most powerful simple-cycle gas power plant in the world” has achieved an output of 410.9 MW," the POWER Engineers says.

"The innovative HL-class unit offers 34% more efficiency, quick-start back up reliability and is an important advancement toward carbon reduction.

"As Engineer of Record, POWER Engineers is excited to congratulate Duke Energy and Siemens Energy on this ground-breaking project that plays a pivotal role in energy efficiency."

"Siemens Energy’s 60Hz SGT6-9000HL gas turbine achieved a power output of 410.9 MW (corrected to ISO standard conditions) operating under a multi-year field-test and verification program at Duke Energy’s Lincoln Combustion Turbine Station near Denver, North Carolina," the Gas Turbine World says.

"This marked a major milestone in the development and commercialization of the advanced state-of-the-art Siemens Energy HL-Class gas turbine unveiled five years ago. Siemens Energy and Duke Energy were awarded the Guinness World Record title for the most powerful simple cycle 60Hz gas turbine power plant.

"This was followed by a second Guinness World Record title in October 2022 for achieving the highest ramp rate for 60Hz gas turbine power plants at 100.56 MW/min. These awards came at a time of record-high gas prices, making power density and efficiency more important than ever."

Photos: Most powerful simple cycle gas power plant, world record in Lincoln County, North Carolina

(1) Simple cycle with SCR Dilution SCR was installed at exhaust of simple cycle 9000HL gas turbine for additional NOx reduction. An inlet-air preheater was also installed to simulate a wide range of ambient temperatures for test program.

(2) . Duke Energy Lincoln Station. First SGT6-9000HL gas turbine, undergoing validation testing and commercial dispatch since May 2020, has broken world record for 60Hz simple cycle with highest power output (410.9MW) and fastest ramp rate (>100MW/min). Photo: Gas Turbine World

(3) Joined DNA. The advanced HL engine design (upper cutaway drawing) is based on improved H-class compressor, combustor and turbine section component designs to achieve higher power output and efficiency. Photo: Gas Turbine World

(4-7) Facebook/Siemens Energy