System and method for gas turbine nox emission improvement

A gas turbine system for NOx emission reduction and part load efficiency improvement is described. The system includes a gas turbine (12) having a compressor (13) which receives inlet-air (18). A direct-contact heat exchanger (30) heats and humidifies the inlet-air (18) before the inlet-air flows to the compressor (13). Heating the inlet-air (18) reduces an output of the gas turbine (12) and extends the turndown range. Humidifying the inlet-air (18) lowers NOx emissions from the gas turbine unit (12).