GE Signs Contract For Saudi Turbine Power Generation Project

GE has signed a $200 million contract to supply steam turbine technology, power generation services and distributed control systems for the conversion of Saudi Electricity Company’s (SEC) PP10 power plant from simple to combined-cycle operation. The project will add 1,300 megawatts to the plant’s capacity to help meet the growing power requirements of Saudi Arabia’s central region and help the country meet summer peak demands.

The deal calls for GE to provide 10 of its SC series steam turbines specifically for the PP10 combined-cycle expansion. GE previously supplied 40 7EA Gas Turbines for the PP10 site. The combined-cycle conversion enables the plant to increase its output without any increase in fuel, thereby boosting its operating efficiency.

SEC president and chief executive officer, engineer Ali Saleh Al Barrak, explains, “The conversion to combined-cycle operation is part of our growth plan to add an average of 4,000 megawatts of power each year, with a vision of doubling the grid capacity by the year 2020. This new contract reflects our continued trust in GE’s technology solutions and ability to respond to our power generation requirements. In addition to increasing plant capacity by more than 50 percent, from about 2,200 to 3,500 megawatts, the conversion will raise overall plant efficiency.“

Joseph Anis, GE Energy’s president and chief executive officer for the Middle East, adds: “This new agreement is testimony to our growing relationship with SEC and reflects our continued commitment to deliver tailored technology solutions to the Saudi energy sector. As the Kingdom’s energy technology partner, we take pride in supporting SEC’s goal to meet the Kingdom’s growing power demand with efficiency enhancing solutions that also are flexible and scalable.”

The Riyadh PP10 site recently entered commercial operation in simple-cycle mode and is adding about 2,000 megawatts to Saudi Arabia’s grid to support the country’s electricity demand and increase the power capacity in SEC’s Central Operation Area by 20 percent.