Baker Hughes NovaLT12 Gas Turbines for Sale
Manufacturer: Baker Hughes
12.5 MWe industrial gas turbine with the NovaLT 35,000-hour inspection interval and a 15 ppm DLE combustor, 9 ppm on request.
This model is part of SecondWatt’s gas turbine research catalogue. Specifications and price observations are included where supported by sources. Equipment availability and commercial terms require confirmation.
Baker Hughes NovaLT12 gas turbine: 12.5 MWe at 35.3%, 35,000-hour inspection interval, 9 ppm DLE option, hydrogen capability and package specifications.
The NovaLT12 is Baker Hughes' 12.5 MWe industrial gas turbine: 12.5 MW and 35.3% efficiency at the generator terminals for 50 or 60 Hz power generation, and 13 MW (17,400 hp) at 36.8% for mechanical drive, both at ISO conditions. It shares the NovaLT family's single-row annular dry-low-emissions combustor, variable-geometry low-pressure turbine nozzles and 35,000-hour hot-gas-path interval.
Its axial compressor evolved from the Frame 5/2E design, with one stage added (11 to 12) and the pressure ratio raised from 17:1 to 19:1. Baker Hughes rates the DLE combustor below 15 ppm NOx from 50% to 100% load, with 9 ppm on request, and quotes up to 84% total efficiency in combined heat and power. Baker Hughes' NovaLT technology page states that NovaLT12 manufacturing produces about 16% lower greenhouse-gas emissions than the PGT10's.
The NovaLT12 is a different engine from the 16.9 MWe NovaLT16, not a derated version of it; the two share combustion and maintenance philosophy but not the compressor. Baker Hughes' NovaLT12 product page features case studies on a European pulp-and-paper cogeneration plant and on the first hydrogen-blend turbine tested for gas pipeline infrastructure. The NovaLT16, not the NovaLT12, is the model named in Baker Hughes' 2025-2026 data-center orders.
Why it matters
The NovaLT12 brings the NovaLT 35,000-hour inspection interval and dry low NOx down to 9 ppm to a 12.5 MWe block. Assessment: against the NovaLT16 it gives finer N+1 granularity at a 1.1-point efficiency penalty (35.3% against 36.4%), and against older 10-13 MW industrial turbines its main advantages are the longer interval and remote DLN tuning.
Who buys it
Industrial plants with combined heat and power loads such as pulp and paper, pipeline and gas-storage operators needing 13 MW compressor drivers, offshore operators, and developers of smaller behind-the-meter or edge sites that want finer block sizes than the NovaLT16. Baker Hughes lists onshore and offshore, pipeline and gas storage, and industrial CHP as its applications.
Role in the data center
Assessment: a 12.5 MW behind-the-meter block for smaller campuses or edge sites, about twelve units per 150 MW phase plus N+1 spares, or a combined heat and power unit where the 496 C exhaust feeds a heat recovery steam generator or absorption cooling. Baker Hughes publishes no start-to-load time for the NovaLT12, so confirm start and black-start capability per package.
Key specifications
| Power-generation output, ISO, at generator terminals | 12.5 MWe |
|---|---|
| Power-generation efficiency, ISO | 35.3 % |
| Power-generation heat rate, LHV (calculated from 35.3%) | 9666 Btu/kWh |
| Mechanical-drive shaft output, ISO | 13 (17,400) MW (hp) |
| Mechanical-drive efficiency, ISO | 36.8 % |
| Exhaust temperature | 496 C |
| Power-turbine speed range | 4,450-8,900 rpm |
| Compressor stages / pressure ratio (evolved from Frame 5/2E: 11 to 12 stages, 17:1 to 19:1) | 12 / 19:1 stages / ratio |
| NOx, DLE, 50-100% load, natural gas | <15 (9 on request) ppm at 15% O2 |
| Hot-gas-path inspection interval | 35000 hours |
| Major inspection interval | 70000 hours |
| Power-generation package, L x W x H (2025 overview, with upper deck) | 14.3 x 2.5 x 6.4 m |
| Power-generation package, L x W x H (product page) | 14.3 x 2.5 x 3.5 m |
| Power-generation package weight | 113 tons |
| Mechanical-drive package, L x W x H (2025 overview) | 7.2 x 2.5 x 3.5 m |
| Mechanical-drive package, L x W x H (product page) | 8.8 x 2.5 x 3.5 m |
| Mechanical-drive package weight | 37.9 tons |
| Hydrogen, DLN mode (product page) | up to 30 % by volume |
| Hydrogen, tested on combustion chamber (2025 overview) | up to 100 % by volume |
| Fuel flexibility, modified Wobbe index | 44-57 MWI |
| Combined heat and power total thermal efficiency (Baker Hughes claim) | up to 84 % |
| Engine swap (2025 overview) | under 3 days |
| Manufacturing greenhouse-gas emissions versus the PGT10 (Baker Hughes NovaLT page) | about 16 lower % |
Technical summary
Baker Hughes rates the NovaLT12 at 12.5 MWe and 35.3% at the generator terminals and 13 MW (17,400 hp) at 36.8% for mechanical drive, at ISO conditions (natural gas, 15 C, sea level, 60% relative humidity, no inlet or exhaust losses). Exhaust temperature is 496 C and the power turbine runs from 4,450 to 8,900 rpm. The 12-stage compressor reaches a 19:1 pressure ratio. The DLE combustor is rated below 15 ppm NOx at 15% O2 from 50% to 100% load, 9 ppm on request. Hot-gas-path and major inspections fall at 35,000 and 70,000 hours. The 2025 overview gives the power-generation package as 14.3 x 2.5 x 6.4 m and 113 tons, and the mechanical-drive package as 7.2 x 2.5 x 3.5 m and 37.9 tons. Heat rate calculated from 35.3% is about 9,666 Btu/kWh LHV.
Major variations
Baker Hughes sells the NovaLT12 in a power-generation package (12.5 MWe, geared for 50 or 60 Hz) and a mechanical-drive package (13 MW shaft). Combustor options are the standard DLE below 15 ppm NOx and a 9 ppm version on request. The power-generation package carries the gas turbine and auxiliaries, lube-oil system and generator on its main skids, with the filter house, ventilation, ducting, mineral-oil cooler and oil-mist separator on the upper deck. The 2025 overview states 100% hydrogen capability tested on the combustion chamber, while the product page gives up to 30% hydrogen in DLN mode.
Configurations and options
Options that change price or lead time are the 9 ppm DLE combustor, generator frame and voltage, 50 or 60 Hz gearing, the hydrogen fuel case, heat recovery for combined heat and power, and the service agreement. The package is a single lift with factory loop checks and flushing, negative-pressure ventilation with one 100% fan, and standard shipping. Baker Hughes quotes 45 days to install a NovaLT unit and an engine swap in under 3 days (2025 overview), with a 24-hour target on the product page.
Compatibility and dependencies
Fuel gas must fall within the published 44-57 modified Wobbe index range, and the DLE system needs no gas composition analysis system per Baker Hughes. Supply pressure comes from the package datasheet, so low pipeline pressure can add fuel-gas compression. The geared generator sets frequency and voltage. Remote DLN tuning every four years relies on a data connection to Baker Hughes' remote monitoring centres. The power-generation package occupies 14.3 x 2.5 m and stands 6.4 m with its upper deck.
Planning price band
Modelled planning estimate: $0.73M–$1.46M/MW · $729–$1,457/kW · $9.11M–$18.22M per unit (NovaLT12 (ISO, generator terminals), 12.5 MW; New OEM; very low confidence; gt-planning-v3, as of 2026-11-03). Private market information available. Not a quote or an observed sale price. New OEM gas turbine generator package, equipment scope. Inclusions and delivery terms vary by offer and are subject to confirmation. Not a project budget: EPC, BOP, installation and financing sit outside this band.
Current-production industrial in the Mars/Titan class, priced as new equipment. Private market information available.
What drives the price
Scope (turbine-generator package or packaged plant); generator, gearbox and voltage selection; the 9 ppm DLE option; the hydrogen fuel case; heat recovery equipment for combined heat and power; service agreement terms; the delivery slot; and, for used units, hours, starts and inspection status.
Lifecycle and maintenance
Baker Hughes rates the NovaLT12 at 35,000 hours to hot-gas-path inspection and 70,000 hours to major inspection, with no intermediate borescope inspections. DLN tuning is done at commissioning, which Baker Hughes says takes 90% less time than traditional systems, and then every four years by remote connection. Engine swap is quoted as under 3 days in the 2025 overview, with a 24-hour target on the product page. Real-time condition monitoring and 24/7 product support are offered. Baker Hughes does not publish an MTBF figure for the NovaLT12 as of October 2026.
Thermal and emissions profile
The single-row annular DLE combustor is rated below 15 ppm NOx at 15% O2 from 50% to 100% load on natural gas, with 9 ppm on request, without water or steam injection. Baker Hughes' product page gives up to 30% hydrogen in DLN mode and describes the NovaLT12 as moving toward 100% hydrogen capability; the 2025 overview states up to 100% hydrogen tested on the combustion chamber.
Common failure points
- DLE combustor — Combustion dynamics, liner or nozzle distress, drift from the last DLN tuning
- Hot-gas-path components — Coating loss, oxidation or cracking found at the 35,000-hour inspection
- Variable-geometry LP turbine nozzles — Actuator wear or position drift affecting part-load efficiency
- Load gearbox — Tooth wear, bearing distress or rising vibration
- Generator — Insulation ageing or cooling-system faults
NovaLT12 ratings and block size
- Baker Hughes rates the NovaLT12 at 12.5 MWe and 35.3% at the generator terminals and 13 MW (17,400 hp) for mechanical drive, at ISO conditions with no inlet or exhaust losses. Request the package rating at site conditions with gearbox and generator losses stated.
- Compare it with the NovaLT16 (16.9 MWe, 36.4%) on total installed MW, number of units for N+1 and fuel per MWh; the two share maintenance philosophy but not the compressor or package.
DLE, hydrogen and US permits
- The DLE combustor is rated below 15 ppm NOx from 50% to 100% load, with 9 ppm on request. Baker Hughes' product page gives up to 30% hydrogen in DLN mode, and its 2025 overview states up to 100% hydrogen tested on the combustion chamber; obtain the emissions guarantee at the intended blend.
- A new NovaLT12 in the United States falls in the medium band of NSPS Subpart KKKKa: 15 ppm NOx at high utilization and 25 ppm at low utilization per EPA's January 2026 final rule.
Maintenance plan
- Baker Hughes rates hot-gas-path inspection at 35,000 hours and major inspection at 70,000 hours, with no intermediate borescope inspections and DLN tuning every four years by remote connection. Confirm how the plan applies to the offered unit.
Compare offers on
- Equipment identity — Model and build standard, serial numbers, generator and gearbox identity, controls platform and packager.
- Rating basis — ISO rating at generator terminals versus site-corrected output at the project's ambient, elevation and inlet and exhaust losses.
- Combustion and fuel — DLE NOx level, gas-only or dual fuel, fuel composition limits and the hydrogen case the combustor is guaranteed for.
- Included scope — Turbine and auxiliary skid, generator and gearbox, filter house and ventilation, controls, fuel system, enclosure and spares.
- Service and delivery — Service agreement, warranty holder, factory slot, test scope and delivery terms.
- Costs outside the offer — Step-up transformer, switchgear, interconnection, gas compression, heat recovery, civil works, permits and commissioning.
Seller checklist
- Nameplate photographs for turbine, gearbox and generator with model, build standard and serial numbers
- Operating hours, fired starts and trip history
- Hot-gas-path and major inspection reports with dates and findings
- Borescope reports and images
- Combustor configuration, fuel-system scope and any emissions test data
- Controls platform, software licences and drawings
- Generator test results and gearbox inspection records
- Service agreement status and transferability
- Preservation and storage records for stored units
- Included and excluded scope list with spares inventory
What sets the value
Value rests on records: nameplates and serial numbers, operating hours and starts, hot-gas-path inspection and DLN tuning records, combustor configuration with emissions test data, generator and gearbox test records, and the status and transferability of the Baker Hughes service agreement.
Is the NovaLT12 a smaller NovaLT16?
No. It shares the NovaLT combustor, variable-geometry low-pressure turbine nozzles and 35,000-hour inspection interval, but its 12-stage compressor evolved from the Baker Hughes Frame 5/2E design. It is rated 12.5 MWe at 35.3%, against 16.9 MWe at 36.4% for the NovaLT16.
How much hydrogen can a NovaLT12 burn?
Baker Hughes' product page gives up to 30% hydrogen in DLN mode and describes the NovaLT12 as moving toward 100% capability; its 2025 overview states up to 100% hydrogen tested on the combustion chamber. Confirm the NOx guarantee at the intended blend.
What are the NovaLT12 maintenance intervals?
Baker Hughes rates hot-gas-path inspection at 35,000 hours and major inspection at 70,000 hours, with no intermediate borescope inspections and remote DLN tuning every four years.
What should a NovaLT12 sourcing request include?
Site conditions, required net output and number of units, frequency and voltage, gas pressure and composition, hydrogen requirements, operating duty, heat recovery needs, and target delivery and operating dates.
Inspection checklist
Confirm serial numbers and package type from the nameplates. Obtain operating hours, fired starts, trips and fuel history, including any hydrogen-blend operation. Review hot-gas-path records against the 35,000-hour interval and the DLN tuning history. Confirm the combustor rating (15 or 9 ppm). Check gearbox inspection records, generator test results and vibration trends. Verify controls software licences and the status of the Baker Hughes service agreement. Agree acceptance criteria and responsibility for open findings before payment.
Procurement channels
New units come from Baker Hughes, which builds the NovaLT family and is expanding NovaLT production capacity (doubling by the first half of 2027, per its January 2026 statement). Baker Hughes' announced data-center orders and packager agreements name the NovaLT16, not the NovaLT12, as of October 2026. Assessment: few used NovaLT12 units reach the secondary market because the fleet is young.
Regional notes
Packages are offered for 50 and 60 Hz through the load gearbox and generator. Baker Hughes references NovaLT12 installations onshore and offshore and in extreme environments, including arctic and desert conditions. In the United States a new NovaLT12 falls in the medium band of NSPS Subpart KKKKa (about 121 MMBtu/h LHV at ISO, calculated).
Content owner: Gary Martin, SecondWatt