GE Vernova, a purpose-built global energy company based in US, has announced that it has successfully completed the work on the modernization of four gas turbines at the Sabiya Combined Cycle Power Plant in Kuwait, thus  boosting its efficiency and increasing output.

 

Located in Al Jahra, approximately 52 km away from Kuwait City, Sabiya power station has a total of six of GE Vernova’s 9F.03 gas turbines and three D11 steam turbines.

 

Owned by the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, it is the biggest power station in Kuwait with a total 2GW capacity. 

 

Previously, GE Vernova had successfully upgraded two gas turbines in the power plant’s Block 1. The upgrade increased the output by up to 6%, leading to a combined increase in power production of more than 35 MW without requiring additional fuel, which would amount to the equivalent of approximately another 8,000 cars being put on Kuwait's roads.

 

The upgrades were completed as part of a multiyear service agreement between Alghanim International, a leading engineering, procurement, construction contracting company in Kuwait, and GE Vernova.

 

An Operations & Maintenance (O&M) agreement was also inked by Alghanim and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy for all three combined-cycle power blocks at Sabiya. 

 

The goal was to boost power production, increase the duration between planned maintenance cycles, drive fuel efficacy, and reduce costs as well as carbon dioxide emissions per megawatt of power generated, it stated.

 

The new upgrades are part of a broader effort by the Ministry to modernize the power generation infrastructure in Kuwait. This project is expected to increase the power plant’s block output by up to 6.3% and reduce heat rate by as much as 1.8%, leading to a combined increase in power production of up to 70 megawatts (MW). 

 

This increase in efficiency and output will allow more power to be produced without increasing fuel consumption and the resulting carbon dioxide emissions, which would amount to the equivalent of approximately another 16,000 cars being put on Kuwait's roads.

 

On the successful upgradation work, GE Vernova said as per the service agreement with Alghanim International, it had provided Advanced Gas Path (AGP) upgrades for the four 9F.03 turbines in Blocks 2 and 3 at the Sabiya plant, along with the supply and maintenance services of the units for 7 years. 

 

The AGP upgrade will help deliver more fuel efficient and reliable power output to Kuwait's power grid to meet the increase in electricity demand, especially during peak seasons, it stated.

 

Jihad Saade of Alghanim International, said: "In line with our commitment to supporting the country’s efforts to boost power generation capacity, we continue to reach out to the latest innovative technologies in cooperation with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). GE Vernova helped us ensure that the Ministry of Electricity & Water & Renewable Energy power plants are performing at their best."

 

"The successful implementation of these upgrades demonstrates the commitment of Alghanim International towards Kuwait’s energy sector and our aim to support the Ministry in its efforts of maintaining Kuwait leadership position in the region," he added.

 

Joseph Anis, President & CEO, Europe, Middle East & Africa of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business, said: "With a proven track-record of delivering long-term services contracts in Kuwait, we are proud of this strategic collaboration with the Ministry and Alghanim International that has enabled us to provide responsive, flexible, and efficient power solutions to help meet the country’s growing energy needs."

 

"In line with the country’s strategic plans, the upgrades at the Sabiya Power Plant underscore our proven ability in delivering our advanced technology for reliable power supply across the nation," he added.-TradeArabia News Service