This article presents the first megawatt scale solar-hybrid plant with a solarized gas turbine. The works and improvements that made the Solugas project succeed during design, construction and long-term solar operation are described and explained. More than 1000 operation hours and receiver outlet temperatures of 800 degrees C were achieved. The operation behaviour and performance of the key components - the solar pressurised air receiver and the gas turbine - are presented here as a proof of the high potential of the technology. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.