Advanced strategies for performance enhancement, degradation control, and emission mitigation in gas turbine power plants: A comprehensive review

Abstract Gas turbine power plants play a pivotal role in global electricity generation owing to their operational flexibility and rapid dispatch capabilities. However, their performance is heavily constrained by environmental variables, component degradation, and stringent emission regulations. This article presents a comprehensive and critical review of the recent advancements in gas turbine modification and enhancement strategies. Unlike standard descriptive literature, this review systematically categorizes and quantitatively compares enhancement methods into four core pillars: thermodynamic cycle optimizations (including inlet air cooling, fogging, regenerative, and combined cycles); component degradation control (compressor fouling, filtration, and hot‐section high‐temperature corrosion mitigation); advanced maintenance management (Condition‐Based Maintenance [CBM], AI‐driven diagnostics, and digital twins); and environmental emission abatement technologies (Dry Low‐NOx, water/steam injection, and hydrogen fuel flexibility). Quantitative evaluations demonstrate that intake cooling techniques, such as fogging systems, can augment thermal efficiency by up to 10.7% depending on the fuel type. Furthermore, the role of fuel additives, specifically magnesium‐based compounds, in suppressing vanadium‐induced hot corrosion by elevating the ash melting point above 1000°C is critically analyzed. Finally, this review identifies current research gaps, highlights technical trade‐offs, and outlines future trajectories for integrating carbon capture and alternative zero‐carbon fuels, providing an essential roadmap for operators and researchers aiming to optimize gas turbine utility.