May 3, 2026 · 46 min · 20 segments
An audio reading of the feature articles from the May 2026 issue of Gas Compression Magazine. This month's stories include: Data Center Sustainability (Begins At 01:40) Dire Straits (Begins At…
Danny FelberHost
Combined cycle natural gas plants integrated with carbon capture to power next-generation AI factories.
A few years ago, most hyperscalers and data center developers issued grand designs intended to achieve net-zero by 2030.
The same natural gas plants that were strenuously avoided a couple years ago are now viewed as the speediest route to powering next-generation AI factories.
Nevertheless, new approaches continue to be devised to unify the needs of immediate power with net-zero goals.
A novel way to deliver reliable, low-carbon power at scale is to build combined-cycle gas turbine plants with integrated carbon capture and storage.
A study by engineering firm Burns & McDonnell estimated capex to be between $1,300 per kilowatt and $1,800 per kilowatt.
That's why Brian Lofgreen, principal engineer for carbon capture at EPC firm Kiewit, believes the economics of combined-cycle gas turbine plus carbon capture and storage only work when OEMs and EPCs collaborate from the start.
Thus, his company is partnering with GE Vernova to streamline project development, lower costs, and bring combined-cycle gas turbine plus carbon capture and storage projects to market.
Tighter design integration can improve capital utilization and reduce operating costs, said Lofgreen.
There are multiple ways to decarbonize both existing and future gas power plants.
Pre-combustion methods include using near-zero or carbon-neutral fuels such as hydrogen, renewable natural gas, ammonia, or biofuels.
Unfortunately, these alternative fuels are often unavailable, too expensive, or still in the early stages of technical maturity.
There are emerging solutions too, such as solid sorbents, cryogenic techniques, and membrane-based technologies.
These emerging technologies are probably five or more years into the future, said Matthew David-Zaber, CCS Product Champion at GE Renova.
Combined cycle natural gas plants integrated with carbon capture to power next-generation AI factories.
A few years ago, most hyperscalers and data center developers issued grand designs intended to achieve net-zero by 2030.
The same natural gas plants that were strenuously avoided a couple years ago are now viewed as the speediest route to powering next-generation AI factories.
Nevertheless, new approaches continue to be devised to unify the needs of immediate power with net-zero goals.
A novel way to deliver reliable, low-carbon power at scale is to build combined-cycle gas turbine plants with integrated carbon capture and storage.
A study by engineering firm Burns & McDonnell estimated capex to be between $1,300 per kilowatt and $1,800 per kilowatt.
That's why Brian Lofgreen, principal engineer for carbon capture at EPC firm Kiewit, believes the economics of combined-cycle gas turbine plus carbon capture and storage only work when OEMs and EPCs collaborate from the start.
Thus, his company is partnering with GE Vernova to streamline project development, lower costs, and bring combined-cycle gas turbine plus carbon capture and storage projects to market.
Tighter design integration can improve capital utilization and reduce operating costs, said Lofgreen.
There are multiple ways to decarbonize both existing and future gas power plants.
Pre-combustion methods include using near-zero or carbon-neutral fuels such as hydrogen, renewable natural gas, ammonia, or biofuels.
Unfortunately, these alternative fuels are often unavailable, too expensive, or still in the early stages of technical maturity.
There are emerging solutions too, such as solid sorbents, cryogenic techniques, and membrane-based technologies.
These emerging technologies are probably five or more years into the future, said Matthew David-Zaber, CCS Product Champion at GE Renova.
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