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Press Release

GE Power Conversion Wins Two Orders to Supply 24 MV7000 Drives for Saudi Electricity Company Mega-Thermal Power Projects

March 11, 2014

  • US$23 Million Order Awarded by Hyundai Heavy Industries
  • Underlines Commitment of GE to Provide Highly Efficient and Flexible Components for Power Sector
  • MV7000 Range of Drives Provides Power and Control Flexibility for Region's Largest Power Generation Facilities

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA; March 11, 2014: GE Power Conversion (NYSE: GE) has won two orders to supply highly efficient and flexible components for Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the region's largest power generation utility.

GE was awarded a US$23 million contract to supply 24 18-megawatt (MW) MV7000 variable speed drives (VSD) to SEC's Jeddah South and Shuqaiq Steam Power Plants. Each project consists of four 660-MW power blocks and is considered as one of the largest steam power plants globally. Hyundai Heavy Industries, the engineering, procurement and construction firm, awarded the contract.

The MV7000 range supplied by GE will drive the boiler feed pumps, which are the main plant auxiliaries, minimizing effects on the supply network by controlling motor speed, torque and power as well as providing more efficiency over the life cycle of the plant operation to the benefit of SEC. The product range responds rapidly to changes in load, speed and torque commands and requires very limited, simple maintenance. This technology from GE also has eradicated complex mechanical components, and it provides a soft start that reduces voltage dips and starting shock to lessen required maintenance.

Alexander Kajo, GE Power Conversion Middle East, North Africa & Turkey CEO said, "Saudi Electricity Company is one of GE's long-term partners, with our power generation technology installed in more than 40 sites of the region's leading utility. Our contract to support the prestigious Jeddah South and Shuqaiq Steam Power Plants is significant for us as it highlights our competencies to provide highly efficient and flexible technologies for large power plants. We are thankful to Saudi Electricity Company and Hyundai Heavy Industries for our long-term partnership."

MV7000 drives can support both induction and synchronous machines with high performance vector control across all speed ranges. Its high power factor minimizes the effect on the supply network while offering increased availability. The efficiency gains customers can expect to reap are around 10 per cent. Other key differentials include strong energy optimization, longer life expectancy even under load cycling and strong high levels of safety.

With nearly 80 years of experience and 1,300 employees in Saudi Arabia, GE is expanding its presence in the Kingdom through knowledge-sharing initiatives and increased investments for technology centers that provide service repair support and customer training in the power, water and oil and gas sectors.

Today, GE assists in the generation of over half of Saudi Arabia's power supply and has more than 500 gas turbines installed in the Kingdom.

Kelly Home
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
[email protected]
+971 4 4507 600

Mohamed Tawil
[email protected]

Caroline Wehbeh
GE Communications Leader, North Africa
[email protected]
+971 4 429 6318


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