GE's FlexEfficiency 60 plant. By Saleh Fareed Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — General Electric (GE) is investing around SR300 million in Saudi Arabia and will further raise its investment within the next few years in the Kingdom. Mohammed Mohaisen, General Manager of Thermal Products & Power Generations Services for GE Power & Water in the Middle East, said the company is featuring its heavy fuel oil (HFO) combined cycle plant and FlexEfficiency 60 Portfolio that promote energy efficiency. Speaking to the press during his participation at the Saudi Water & Power Forum (SWPF) which was opened here in Jeddah on Sunday, Mohaisen said “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." 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. 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. He added: “As the Kingdom works toward 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 SWPF presents us the opportunity to interact and engage with industry leaders and underline our message of promoting energy efficiency and sustainable growth."
