Ansaldo Energia: Delivering flexible solutions and upgrades to enable Asia’s energy transition

A future-proof approach that safeguards energy security and boosts operators’ profitability.

Amidst the rise of renewables, “thermal is dead” has been the global narrative. But as grids become increasingly reliant on variable sources like wind and solar, this has crafted a new reality where stability, dispatchability, and flexibility, are critical for industry players alongside decarbonisation targets. To combat this challenge, Ansaldo Energia has led the way with the evolution of thermal power.

Ansaldo Energia offers modern thermal power that is far from outdated infrastructure and that has become the backbone of energy security.

Renewed role of thermal

As renewable generation surges, so do the concerns over grid intermittency. Whilst solar and wind are green, they are not always available. To address this challenge, Ansaldo Energia’s advanced thermal solutions are designed to deliver dispatchable power on demand, ensuring energy is available precisely when it is needed most.

“Dispatchable by design” is driving Ansaldo Energia’s portfolio. It features turbines like the flagship GT36, capable of ramping at 100 MW per minute and running at low minimum loads. These technologies are tailor-made to fill the gaps that renewables cannot. “This approach ensures immediate responsiveness to renewable fluctuations and grid volatility, reducing operational costs and wear on assets,” the company said.

Ansaldo Energia designed its thermal offerings with transition in mind. All the fleet can operate on hydrogen blends, from 40 up to 70%, depending on the equipment. In 2024, Ansaldo Energia successfully validated 100% hydrogen combustion on the GT36 combustor in test rig, a key milestone towards full decarbonisation. 

“Our target is to achieve 100% hydrogen readiness by 2030, offering operators in Asia a future-proof investment today. Hydrogen is central to our roadmap, but it is not the only low-carbon fuel we are enabling.” With regards to fuel flexibility, AE94.3A gas turbine is also capable of operating on renewable fuels. Last February, Ansaldo Energia and SSE Thermal signed an agreement for the supply of a 300 MW AE94.3A gas turbine. The unit will power a new plant in Tarbert (Ireland) designed to operate entirely on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).

Beyond gas turbines, the company’s portfolio includes modular steam turbines, both reheat and non-reheat, also for geothermal and nuclear applications, 100 KWe microturbines and Electrolysers for green hydrogen production. Ansaldo Energia also offers synchronous condensers, which further enhance grid stability and support system inertia as renewable penetration increases. 

Unlocking value in existing assets

Acknowledging that the real decarbonisation challenge lies with existing infrastructure, Ansaldo Energia offers a pragmatic solution: modernisation.

Targeted upgrades on existing fleets like the AE94.3A and comparable heavy-duty gas turbine platforms enable plants to lower their minimum environmental loads by up to 35 MW, and boost ramp rates up to 50 MW per minute. These enhancements allow assets to remain online at low loads, respond swiftly to renewable fluctuations, and cut emissions. All the upgrades can also include hydrogen and HVO retrofitting, depending on customers’ requests.

By upgrading existing assets — extending their life, improving efficiency, enhancing operational flexibility, and preparing them for green fuels — Ansaldo Energia enables an actionable and economically sustainable energy transition.

Navigating energy transition in Asia

For fast-growing economies in Asia, the stakes are high. They must reduce CO2 emissions, also by phasing-out from coal, whilst reinforcing energy security and ensuring dispatchable power to fast growing economies. All this, whilst keeping energy affordable.

“The energy transition is already underway, and the challenge is to decarbonise without compromising reliability or affordability. We are committed to partnering with Asian utilities and governments to deliver realistic pathways to cleaner energy for the economies and communities they serve,” said Stefano Gianatti, EVP Thermal New Units of Ansaldo Energia."

Ansaldo Energia is banking on the combination of high efficiency, leading-edge operational flexibility, green fuel readiness, and seamless integration with renewables. This approach applies both to new power plants and to the upgrade of existing assets, offering a proven blueprint for how thermal power can support a realistic and sustainable energy transition.

To know more about modern thermal power, visit Ansaldo Energia.