Conventional Contributions: How existing power generation technologies are reducing emissions faster.

“U.S. infrastructure isn’t yet ready for an overnight net-zero energy transition, and stranded assets — both capital and labor — are a big concern,” said Richard Voorberg, President of Siemens Energy in North America. “We need to take a second look at how conventional technologies and existing infrastructure can be used to carry out the energy transition today while still preparing for more renewable adoption in the future.”

The shift from coal to natural gas in power generation has been monumental for carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction. In 2022, the US electric power sector produced 55 percent less CO₂ than in 2005, largely the result of a shift from coal to natural gas in the electricity generation mix. Fit-for-purpose gas turbines, an existing technology, play a key role in making this switch from coal to gas-fired power generation.

Siemens Energy's SGT-9000HL gas turbine is a good example. By using this turbine, power companies can save as much as 3.7 million tons of CO₂ per year, per plant. The turbine has already been installed in a natural gas-fueled combined cycle power plant in Purvis, Mississippi, and is delivering reliable electricity to Cooperative Energy's member cooperatives.

The existing gas turbine power plant fleet in the United States and Canada also represents a significant part of the energy infrastructure, providing reliable, affordable power to millions. To create a future-ready, high-performance energy network, existing gas turbine power plants need to be modernized and upgraded. By integrating advanced technologies and re-engineering processes, these plants can become more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly.

The High Desert Power Project in California demonstrates the advantages to upgrading existing infrastructure. The facility underwent multiple modifications, such as installing high-efficiency SGT6-5000F gas turbines, adopting co-generation strategies, and using advanced ultra-low Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) combustors. Overall, the modifications reduced NOx by up to 64% pre-emissions controls, and carbon monoxide was reduced by up to 50%.

Nuclear power is gaining renewed interest for its clean and reliable energy generation potential, including billions of investment dollars from the Biden administration and the extension of operating licenses for up to 40 additional years at existing nuclear facilities. As a result, traditional technologies such as steam turbines are extending the life and increasing the output of existing nuclear facilities. For Constellation, Siemens Energy is installing 12 new low-pressure steam turbines at the Braidwood and Byron Clean Energy Centers in Illinois. Through these investments, these plants will generate an additional 135 MW of carbon-free electricity - enough electricity to power 150,000 homes for an entire year.

Simultaneously, technological advancements are also paving the way for next-generation reactors that require lower upfront investment and can be duplicated more easily. Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale. Siemens Energy is the preferred supplier for rotating equipment of the conventional island (steam turbine and generator technology) for Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse project.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical technological solution for achieving net-zero emissions. The technology’s goal is to prevent CO₂ produced from industrial power stations and industrial processes from being released into the atmosphere by capturing, compressing, transporting, and then storing the CO₂ deep underground.

Conventional technologies such as compressors are integral to these pioneering projects. For example, the world’s first large-scale direct air capture plant is being developed by 1PointFive, a subsidiary of Occidental, in the Permian Basin in west Texas. Siemens Energy will supply two compressor packages to enable the plant to capture up to 500,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year when fully operational.

Long term, increased production of clean hydrogen will accelerate the supply of clean fuel to help decarbonize industries that are traditionally difficult to electrify, such as heavy trucking and process industries. While this industry may not come to maturity for many years, investments and innovations are happening now to accelerate that timeline and ensure success. We’re seeing steps toward that future today in H2 co-firing projects, where power plants running gas turbines on natural gas can use those same turbines in the future as they move to hydrogen.

The successful hydrogen co-firing test at Constellation’s Hillabee Generating Station in Alabama demonstrates the operational feasibility of blending hydrogen into existing gas turbines. The 753 MW natural gas combined-cycle plant reached 38% hydrogen blend on an SGT6-6000G gas turbine. The project highlights the potential of gas turbines to meet proposed environmental regulations and showcases the value of existing assets in the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Upgrading existing energy infrastructure is a crucial step toward achieving a net-zero emissions in North America. “We’re focused on taking concrete and actionable steps that blend conventional power with newer technologies in ways that are realistic and economical,” said Voorberg. “It’s that expertise that makes us a truly integrated energy company.”