GE Energy has signed contracts totalling more than $500 million to supply gas turbines and generators for power plant projects owned by Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), GN reported.
In the first agreement, GE Energy has received a contract to supply gas turbine generators for the 960-megawatt expansion of the Rabigh Power Plant in Rabigh City, on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. The project is part of SEC's initiative to provide additional power to support the region's economic and population growth.
In addition to the Frame 7EA gas turbines at the Rabigh site, GE's scope of supply includes Type 7A6 generators, technical advisory services during installation and spare parts. The EPC contractor for the project is the National Contracting Company Limited of Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
GE Energy also has received a contract for gas turbines that will be used by four power plants owned by SEC. "These projects are part of SEC's on-going efforts to meet the region's soaring power demand," said Joseph Anees, GE Energy's Region Executive for the Middle East. "Our capability to provide gas turbine technology with a short delivery cycle, plus the proven reliability of our gas turbine technology, were key factors in winning these contracts."
The GE gas turbines and generators will be manufactured at GE Energy's facilities in Greenville and Schenectady respectively.
More than 750 of GE's Frame 7EA gas turbines are in service worldwide, and have accumulated millions of hours of service in a wide variety of applications.
"Demand for power is growing at an estimated 8 per cent per annum in Saudi Arabia. SEC consistently adapts to the evolving conditions to meet the increasing demand, said Ali Saleh Al Barrak, SEC president and CEO.
"Our relationship with GE, which spans over 40 years, has played an integral role in enabling us to successfully meet the need for additional power supply through efficient solutions," he added.