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Press Release

GE showcases innovative combined cycle technology to boost energy efficiency at Saudi Water & Power Forum

December 01, 2012

  • GE's Heavy Fuel Oil combined cycle power plant is a more efficient, cost-effective solution compared to traditional steam boiler technology
  • GE's new FlexEfficiency 60 Portfolio offers record-breaking efficiency and unprecedented flexibility to support Kingdom's focus on sustainable energy management
  • GE also highlights Zee Weed water solutions technology at key industry forum
  • Showcase on GE's expanded Manufacturing Technology Center in Dammam, its services, and manufacturing & training capabilities
  • Underlines commitment of GE to be long-term growth partner of the Kingdom

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; December 2, 2012: GE (NYSE: GE) is featuring its Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) combined cycle plant and FlexEfficiency 60 Portfolio that promote energy efficiency, complementing Saudi Arabia's sustainable energy management initiatives, at the Saudi Water & Power Forum (SWPF) to be held from December 2 to 4, 2012, at the Hilton Jeddah.

Developed specially for the region taking into account local requirements and specifications, GE's HFO combined cycle technology is envisaged to considerably enhance efficiencies in the use of heavy fuel oil and conversion for power generation, and is in line with the Royal Decree to progressively shift power generation to heavy fuel oil. By 2020, the Kingdom targets the generation of over 23GW of power through heavy fuel oil projects that are planned to ensure highly efficient and reliable power generation, environmental responsibility and reduction in overall costs.

GE's FlexEfficiency 60 Portfolio represents the newest development in power plant technologies. It redefines the standards of operational flexibility, with the portfolio comprising gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, and enhanced plant controls allowing operators to take full advantage of renewable energy resources coming on and off the grid. FlexEfficiency 60 also boosts energy efficiency by harnessing natural gas and enabling greater use of renewable energy. At the heart of the new portfolio is the ecomagination-qualified FlexEfficiency 60 Combined-Cycle Power Plant, the most flexible and most efficient power plant of its kind with the capability to reach greater than 61 percent thermal efficiency. It is an ideal fit to Saudi Arabia as it combines record-breaking efficiency while reducing emissions and providing unprecedented flexibility.

Mohammed Mohaisen, General Manager of Thermal Products & Power Generations Services for GE Power & Water in the Middle East, said: "To meet the growing demand for power to support the needs of the population and to drive infrastructure development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is investing in strengthening its energy sector with a focus on sustainability. As a long-term partner of the Kingdom, having provided the first gas turbine for the first power plant, we are committed to innovating new technologies that specifically meet Saudi Arabia's real needs. By introducing HFO combined cycle technology and the FlexEfficiency 60 Portfolio, GE is reiterating its focus on further strengthening operational efficiencies in line with the long-term vision of the Government."

He added: "As the Kingdom works towards raising its power production to nearly 80 GW by 2020 and diversify its energy mix through a focus on sustainable sources, GE will support the initiatives through our advanced technologies. We are also investing in localized manufacturing, and to strengthen the technical skill sets of the Saudi professionals, which is important in ensuring the sustainable growth of the energy and water sector in the Kingdom. The Saudi Water & Power Forum brings diverse stakeholders on one platform, and presents us the opportunity to interact and engage with industry leaders and underline our message of promoting energy efficiency and sustainable growth."

GE's HFO combined cycle plant delivers a more efficient and cost-effective solution compared to traditional steam boiler technology. It provides short commissioning times, rugged components, and innovative materials for improved availability in harsh environments. GE is also presenting its Zee Weed water solutions technology at the Forum, which is certified to ecomagination, GE's commitment to imagine and build innovative solutions to today's environmental challenges while driving economic growth.

Additionally, the company will put the spotlight on the newly expanded GE Manufacturing Technology Center in Dammam, which now has five key components that support domestic manufacturing, servicing and training -- goals that are aligned with the Saudi Vision 2020. Emphasizing on localizing energy technologies and promoting manufacturing, GE's newly expanded Center has a modern manufacturing facility of high end equipment for the power, water and oil & gas industries; a service and repair center for advanced turbine components; a training center that offers the latest technology and managerial courses; a Repair Development Center; and a state-of-the-art high-speed balance facility. Through the expansion, GE will commence manufacturing of unique gas turbine components locally.

At SWPF, GE's senior management team will also share insights on the current industry trends at the seminars with Ricardo Cordoba addressing a panel discussion on 'Efficiency Opportunities in Water & Power,' and Joe Chalouhi, HR Director of Organizational & Talent Management, participating in a session on 'Talent Management: Realizing Human Resource Potential.'

As part of its commitment to the Kingdom, GE is also training Saudi professionals through an agreement with the Technical & Vocational Training Corporation. Most recently, GE had announced the setting up of an Innovation Center to be based in Dhahran Techno-Valley in the Eastern Province. The GE Innovation Center will focus on co-creating local solutions, with customers, universities and industry organizations, to address the Kingdom's priorities in driving cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, as well as sustainable and affordable healthcare solutions.

With over 80 years of presence in the Kingdom, today, more than 500 GE turbines currently generate over 50 percent of Saudi's electricity, and the company's advanced technology supports the production of 150 million liters clean water daily, delivered to the country's remotest corners. GE also has strong competencies globally in smart grids, a key area of interest for the Kingdom, by covering the entire gamut from power generation optimization to renewable integration, distributed generation management, micro-grids, protection and control, grid diagnostics and visualization, among others.

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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