Energy

QEWC and GE Gas Power ink nine year upgrade and maintenance deal

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

A contract has been signed by Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) and GE Gas Power. It will see the latter provide upgrades and maintenance services for a period of nine years to three of its 9F gas turbines, which are installed at the Ras Abu Fontas B2 (RAF B2) Cogeneration Plant.

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.

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

Standing as 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.

In late September 2022, QatarEnergy and GE inked a deal to step up carbon capture in the energy sector.

“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.

According to a statement, 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 plant is located 10km south of the capital, Doha.

Anis added, “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.”

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 11GW of power capacity and 540 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of water capacity in Qatar, noted Al Hajri.

In early November 2022, Abu Dhabi environment and energy agencies unveiled a 60% clean electricity plan for emirate by 2035.

According to Anis, GE has supported the development of key energy infrastructure across Qatar for more than 50 years. He explained, “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.”

He concluded, “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.”

In early January 2023, QatarEnergy and CPChem said they would build the $6bn Ras Laffan Petrochemicals complex.

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