GE Launches Global Powering Efficiency Center of Excellence, Offering Solutions to Help Reduce Coal Plant Emissions by up to 11 Percent
Lahore – GE’s Powering Efficiency COE Combines the Expertise of Power Services, Steam Power
Systems, Power Digital Solutions, the Global Research Center and other business units
Karachi—March 9, 2017: GE today announced its new global Powering Efficiency Center of
Excellence (COE), which brings together cross-business experts in its energy businesses to
apply a total plant hardware and software solution approachto boost the efficiency of the world’s
new and existing coal-fired power plants and significantly reduce their emissions.The global COE,
headquartered in Baden, will create integrated solutions as well as provide vision and oversight
around the world. Regional teams will focus on engineering capabilities and local execution.The
COE will bring together the combined experience of a cross-business group of experts from GE’s
Power Services, Steam Power Systems, Global Research Center and other business units.
The COE aligns with GE’s recent study that found carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions from the
world’s steam fleet can be reduced by 11 percent when existing hardware and software solutions
are fully applied. Coal-fired power generation provides electricity for about 40 percent of the
world. It also accounts for nearly 75 percent of the electricity sector’s carbon emissions because
many plants are older and inefficient.
“The world’s coal-fired power generation assets are critical to meet the everyday energy needs of
communities and industry not just today but also well into the foreseeable future. While GE works
across various fuel sources, including renewable energy sources, we recognize the urgent need
for efficient coal solutions to reduce emissionsand bring reliable energy online,” said Joseph Anis,
President and CEO of GE’s Power Services business in the Middle East and Africa. “The launch
of GE’s Powering Efficiency COE highlights our commitment to offer integrated solutions that
meet the total plant requirements of customers who own and operate coal-fired power plants for
enhanced outcomes.”
The newest coal plants being built using GE’s ultra-super critical technology can deliver up to 49
percent efficiency rates—significantly higher than the global average of 33 percent. Every point of
efficiency reduces operating costs over the lifetime of the plant while also reducing CO 2 emissions
by approximately 2 percent.
Modern coal-fired power plants rely on a complex network of sensors, digital controllers and
supervisory computers to operate and coordinate plant subsystems. GE’s digital capabilities and
portfolio of air quality control systems can help further lower atmospheric emissions to meet or
exceed the world’s strictest regulations.
In addition, the Powering Efficiency COE will provide a set of financing solutions to help
customers develop transformative projects toward a lower carbon intensity power generation mix.
GE has been bringing its advanced solutions to equip coal power plants across the Middle East,
North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region. Sacha Parneix, Commercial General Manager for GE’s
Steam Power Systems business in MENAT said, “The UAE, Turkey, Pakistan and the wider
MENAT region are increasingly strengthening and diversifying their energy sector. Coal presents
a new opportunity to expand the alternative energy base in the region, and GE’s advanced
solutions for cleaner and smarter steam power support our customers in utilizing this resource in
an efficient manner and meeting the region’s growing energy needs and sustainable development
goals.”
In Turkey, the first ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant using GE’sadvanced technology is
now entering the commissioning phase at Karabiga.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), GE has signed an Engineering, Procurement and
Construction (EPC) agreement along with Harbin Electric International for the Hassyan Project by
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The landmark project which is aligned with the
Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 will produce 2,400 MW of net electricity using GE’s ultra-
supercritical technology while meeting emissions requirements more stringent than the ones
applied in Europe. The first phase of the project has four units of 600 MW capacity, and is a
strong statement on GE's commitment to support efficient, diverse energy solutions in the region
with a low environmental footprint
In Pakistan, GE announced a deal with China Machinery Engineering Corp (CMEC) to supply two
330 megawatt (MW) boilers to Engro Powergen Thar (Private) Limited, CMEC’s joint venture with
Pakistani companies for the Thar Block II Power Plant. The project will be the first in the country
to be fueled with Pakistani Thar lignite from the Thar Coalfied. It will help reduce the pressure on
foreign exchange reserves, support Pakistan’s energy independence and promote the country’s
goal under Vision 2025 to increase the percentage of indigenous sources of power generation to
over 50 percent.
-ends-
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com
About GE Power
GE Power is a world leader in power generation with deep domain expertise to help customers deliver electricity from a wide spectrum of fuel sources. We are transforming the electricity industry with the digital power plant, the world’s largest and most efficient gas turbine, full balance of plant, upgrade and service solutions as well as our data-leveraging software. Our innovative technologies and digital offerings help make power more affordable, reliable, accessible and sustainable.
