Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) said it has signed a contract with GE Gas Power to provide upgrades and maintenance services for a period of nine years to three of its 9F gas turbines installed at the Ras Abu Fontas B2 (RAF B2) Cogeneration Plant, located 10km south of the capital, Doha.

 

The agreement was signed by Mohammed N. Al-Hajri, Managing Director and General Manager of QEWC and Joseph Anis, President & CEO of GE Gas Power Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

 

Qatar's main supplier of electricity and desalinated water, QEWC, said it is pleased to continue its long association with GE to improve plant performance, reduce operating costs, and support vital operations to strengthen Qatar’s water and energy security.

 

GE’s partnership with QEWC began with the construction of the RAF B2 Cogeneration Plant, as one of the EPC contractors, and continued through the provision of long-term maintenance services, since the plant began commercial operations in 2008.

 

The three units covered under the service agreement have a total generation capacity of up to 609 megawatts and equip one of the most important power facilities in Qatar, supporting the country’s electricity network. 

Since, its inception, QEWC has been playing a pivotal role in meeting the electricity and water needs of Qatar and currently holds, together with its joint venture partners, a total portfolio of over 11 GW of power capacity and 540 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of water capacity in Qatar, said Mohammed N. Al-Hajri, the Managing Director and General Manager of QEWC after signing the deal with Joseph Anis, the President & CEO of GE Gas Power Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

 

"Today, QEWC supplies up to 55% of Qatar’s electricity, and 73% of the country’s water needs. The smooth execution of their operations is critical to support people and the economy, and to enable national progress," stated Al Hajri. 

 

Anis said: "We at GE, are honored to continue working closely with QEWC to further strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure and provide access to dependable, flexible gas power to meet the needs of residents and businesses."

 

GE, he stated, has supported the development of key energy infrastructure across Qatar for more than 50 years.

 

"We have the largest operating and most experienced F-class fleet in the world. There are more than 450 GE 9F gas turbines deployed in over 40 countries," stated Anis. 

 

"The technology delivers consistent performance and accommodates a diverse range of fuels – including being up to 80 percent hydrogen capable - making it an excellent fit for various combined cycle and combined heat and power (CHP) applications," he added.-TradeArabia News Service