Second unit of world’s most efficient heavy-duty GE gas turbine arrives in Pakistan to meet growing energy needs

Second unit of world’s most efficient heavy-duty GE gas turbine arrives in Pakistan to meet growing energy needs

 

  • Two GE 9HA.01 gas turbines will equip the 1,180 megawatt (MW) Bhikki Combined Cycle Power Plant in Punjab
  • Punjab Government is setting up what is expected to be one of the largest, most efficient power plants in Pakistan, helping to meet citizens’ growing needs for affordable, reliable energy

 

LAHORE October 20, 2016: The second unit of the world’s most efficient heavy duty GE 9HA.01 gas turbines has arrived from Belfort, France, in Pakistan to equip the 1,180 megawatt (MW) Bhikki Combined Cycle Power Plant in Punjab. The turbine follows an earlier unit that arrived in August, less than a year after the commencement of the Bhikki project. Both units are expected to enter commercial operation in 2017.

 

Once complete, the Bhikki facility will help to meet up to 20 percent of the current shortfall, contributing to the Government of Pakistan’s goals under Vision 2025 to expand access to electricity to over 90 percent of the population.

 

“The Bhikki regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) project is an essential part of the Government of Punjab’s strategy to meet citizens’ needs for power,” stated the Honourable Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. “Addressing Pakistan’s critical energy shortage is a top priority of the government, and the arrival of the two GE 9HA gas turbines at Bhikki highlights our commitment to bringing the world’s most advanced and efficient power generation technologies to the country. The fact that we have secured the world’s most advanced technology while saving billions of rupees through a transparent financial process takes us closer to our objective of providing uninterrupted and affordable power to the people”.

 

GE has invested almost $2 billion in the development of HA technology, and the turbine provides a combination of the highest efficiency and superior operational flexibility, leading the industry in total life cycle value. GE’s HA technology was recently recognized by Guinness World Records for powering the world’s most efficient combined-cycle power plant in Bouchain, France based on an achieved efficiency rate of up to 62.22%. Today, the technology is being rapidly adopted by customers around the world, including those in the UK, the USA, Japan, Korea, Germany, Egypt and other countries. The arrival of the 9HA units at Bhikki marks the first time that the technology has been brought to Pakistan.

 

“GE’s HA gas turbines lead the industry with more reliable and cost-effective conversion of gas to power,” said Joe Mastrangelo, President & CEO of GE Power’s Gas Power Systems business. “We’re very proud to bring our world-record-setting technology here – the first turbine less than one year after announcing this project and the second today – and look forward to helping generate more power to stimulate the economy and meet the everyday needs of Pakistanis.”

 

GE entered an agreement to provide two high-efficiency 9HA.01 gas turbines and associated equipment to Harbin Electric International Company Limited (HEI) for the Bhikki Combined Cycle Power Plant in October 2015. HEI is providing engineering, procurement and construction services for the facility.

 

“Together, HEI and GE are bringing exceptional technology, resources and expertise to fulfill the government’s vision of an energy secure Pakistan,” stated Guo Yu, Chairman of HEI. “The HA technology has set new industry standards and will play a crucial role in meeting the need for reliable, affordable power across the country.”

 

GE has been a committed partner in Pakistan’s development for more than 50 years, providing innovative solutions for energy, transportation and healthcare. Today, more than 25 percent of the country’s electricity is generated by GE-built technologies, and the company’s operations create employment opportunities for more than 450 people across Pakistan.

 

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About Harbin Electric International:

 

Harbin Electric International Company Limited (HEI) is an important member of the Harbin Electric Corporation, and is China’s leading large-scale enterprise in power project contracting and the export of power equipment. Established in 1983, HEI is primarily engaged in the engineering, procurement and construction of thermal, hydro and combined-cycle power plants, and the supply of complete sets of equipment; moreover, the company can be contracted to build large-scale transmission facilities and public utilities, and provides professional comprehensive after-sales service. Since 2014, HEI has expanded its business in power investment to help resolve a global shortage of electric power. http://www.china-hei.com

 

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. www.gepower.com.