Interactive Gas Turbine CO2 Emissions Map Underscores Importance of NETL’s Advanced Turbine Work

NETL recently published an interactive map showing data on gas turbines installed in the United States from 2010-2023 that tracks trends in installation and annual carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, demonstrating that the Lab's research and development of revolutionary, near-zero-emissions advanced turbine technology is helping to change the way the nation generates power.

"The Advanced Turbine Program supports projects for developing new technologies that can be deployed by industry for new builds and adapted to the existing fleet," said NETL's John Crane, technology manager for Advanced Turbines. "As we can see on the map, there has been significant growth recently in the installations of newer, higher-efficiency technologies that are providing more power while cutting emissions."

The map collects data representing select gas turbines operating in the United States, allowing users to easily see how many tonnes per year of CO₂ the units emit based on the color and size of the dot associated with it as well as the monthly emissions for a specific site, where available. Users can also click on each location to see the power output of each plant and type of turbine technology being used.

Original equipment manufacturers use letters to classify their turbines based on their technology, efficiency, power output, firing temperature and other factors. For instance, class-B and -D turbines represent older, less efficient technologies, while F- and H-class turbines feature newer, more efficient technology, often with the ability to blend hydrogen as a fuel in addition to natural gas.

Hydrogen can be used to generate power without creating CO₂ emissions, but the current production cost must be reduced to be competitive in the marketplace. The U.S. Department of Energy is working toward reducing the cost of hydrogen to one dollar per kilogram through its Hydrogen Shot initiative.

"Hydrogen turbines are expected to be at levelized cost parity with combined cycle power plants with carbon capture provided we can meet our Hydrogen Shot goal, which we are on the path to achieve," Crane said. "The increased installation of aeroderivative and high-efficiency H-class+ frame units is significant. We are seeing a focus of continued technology development to achieve 100% hydrogen turbines for dispatchable carbon-free electricity in areas of the country where carbon capture may not be possible."

The map also displays current CO₂ and hydrogen infrastructure such as pipelines and storage sites. This added feature serves as a valuable tool for the industry to evaluate proximity to infrastructure when considering future investments.