GE Vernova and SEC complete first Saudi-led gas turbine maintenance project
Complex task requires skilled personnel with extensive training and practical experience, including special certifications and accreditation
GE Vernova and Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) have successfully completed the first gas turbine outage; the works were planned and executed by GE Vernova’s Saudi engineers and specialists.
The project at SEC’s eighth power plant in Riyadh is said to highlight both companies’ commitment to fostering local talent and promoting localisation within Saudi Arabia’s energy sector, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
This achievement comes just months after GE Vernova, in the presence of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, celebrated the successful rollout of the first H-class gas turbine unit completed at the GE Saudi Advanced Turbines (GESAT) facility in Dammam, the firm said in a statement.
Engineer Abdulaziz Saeed Al-Shumaila, Head of Power Generation Operations in the Central Region, Saudi Electricity Company said, “We are committed to providing reliable and stable power supply for the Kingdom. GE Vernova’s Saudi-led outage at the eighth power plant marks a new era in the Saudi power sector, underscoring our commitment to driving innovation and developing local talent. Through our strategic collaboration with GE Vernova, we aim to empower more Saudi engineers and specialists to assume advanced leadership and technical roles within the Kingdom’s robust energy ecosystem. This collaboration will also contribute to local skills development initiatives, supporting the achievement of Vision 2030 goals.”
The maintenance, led by GE Vernova’s Gas Power One Field Services team in collaboration with SEC’s teams, was crucial for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the power generation assets. It required meticulous planning and execution, demonstrating the culmination of a decade of comprehensive training, certifications, accreditations, practical experience, and professional development for Saudi talent, the firm said.
Male and female Saudi engineers and specialists at the eighth power plant prioritised rigorous safety protocols and successfully completed the project on schedule, supported by GE Vernova’s Live Outage platform. This digital tool enhances field execution through standardized procedures, streamlined tasks and safety best practices, it added.
Hisham Al Bahkali, President of GE Vernova, Saudi Arabia noted, “Our successful maintenance project at Riyadh’s eighth power plant showcases the Kingdom’s local talent in driving a more sustainable energy future, directly supporting Vision 2030. This achievement demonstrates Saudi engineers’ capabilities in managing complex energy projects. Our ongoing collaboration with SEC will further advance the Kingdom’s energy transformation and cultivate national competencies.”
He added, “This accomplishment caps a remarkable year for GE Vernova in Saudi Arabia, notably the rollout of the first H-Class gas turbine at the GESAT facility. This advanced turbine is set to power the Jafurah Cogeneration Independent Steam and Power Plant (ISPP), highlighting our commitment to supporting national strategies, including Vision 2030.”
The eighth power plant in Riyadh is a strategic facility that plays a crucial role in addressing the growing electricity demands of the capital. With a production capacity exceeding 1,700MW, it significantly enhances the stability of the electrical grid in Riyadh and its surrounding areas. The plant comprises several blocks, one of which is equipped with four of GE Vernova’s 7F gas turbines, collectively capable of producing close to 500MW.
GE Vernova’s power plant outage services team brings extensive experience in optimising power plant performance through expert maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. This Saudi-led initiative marks a pivotal step in enhancing plant efficiency and the long-term reliability of power units, the firm said.
