Ansaldo Energia has been awarded the supply of one hydrogen-ready GT26 gas turbine and one steam turbine, together with the respective generators, for the new combined‑cycle Matra Power Plant, in Hungary. The customer is a consortium composed of Status KPRIA (part of the Mészáros Group), WEST HUNGÁRIA BAU, and ELSEWEDY ELECTRIC Power Systems Projects (PSP). The final customer is MVM, Hungary’s public utility. Commercial operation of the new Power Plant is expected to begin in early 2029.
Matra Power Plant, with a gross power of 521 MW, will replace an existing lignite‑fired plant, directly contributing to Hungary’s decarbonization pathway and strengthening security of supply and grid stability. In operation, the new unit is expected to deliver a reduction of CO₂ emissions up to approximately 70 percent compared with the lignite facility it replaces. In addition, the future introduction of up to 30 percent hydrogen in the fuel blend will provide a further reduction.
In combined‑cycle configuration, GT26 delivers net efficiency of around 60 percent on site, translating into lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and competitive generation costs across the entire load range. GT26 also features sequential combustion, enabling fast load ramps. Matra power plant will also showcase a Minimum Environmental Load of around 30 percent. GT26 design allows highly flexible operation with low emissions across a wide compliant window, optimizing responsiveness to demand peaks and renewable variability, without derating when operating with hydrogen blends.
“We are proud to contribute to this strategic project with Ansaldo Energia’s leading‑edge technology, creating lasting value for our customer. Gas turbines once again prove themselves an effective instrument of the energy transition, delivering the flexibility, reliability and efficiency that the system and the business demand, while contributing to CO₂ emissions reduction”, commented Stefano Gianatti, EVP Thermal New Units of Ansaldo Energia.
