In a context of increasing pressure to ensure clean, reliable, and sufficient energy, South Africa has sent a clear signal about the direction of its energy future. The Secunda power plant, modernized by GE Vernova Inc. in partnership with global energy and chemical company Sasol, has become a symbol of transformation: a traditional facility turned into a technological benchmark for the entire African continent.
The project involved the installation of a DLN1+ combustion system and a Fuel Gas Module (FGM) on the 9E gas turbines, replacing the existing pre-combustion systems. The result: a remarkable 75% reduction in NOx emissions, achieved without the need to use water as a diluent—saving the equivalent of 64 Olympic-sized swimming pools per turbine each year. In addition, the improvement in operational efficiency translates into around 10,000 fewer metric tons of CO₂ emissions per turbine annually.
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These upgrades address a national priority: strengthening electricity supply while reducing the environmental impact of the energy system. Extended maintenance intervals and lower operational costs add strategic value to efforts aimed at ensuring reliable and sustainable power for the country, while also enhancing the grid’s resilience to future demand.
“South Africa is under growing pressure to diversify and improve the efficiency of its energy mix,” said Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. “Our collaboration with Sasol demonstrates that advanced technologies are already available to accelerate the country’s energy transformation without the need to rebuild the entire existing infrastructure.”
The project will be showcased at Enlit Africa, taking place from May 20–22 in Cape Town, where GE Vernova will participate in sessions on smart grids, energy sector digitalization, and the role of technology in modernizing Africa’s energy infrastructure. With over a century of presence in Africa, GE Vernova continues to play a key role in the evolution of the continent’s energy sector, providing sustainable solutions for power generation, transmission, and distribution—while also promoting technical training and community impact.
