GE's Latest F-Class Gas Turbine Technology Selected for New Power Plant In France
BELFORT, FRANCE - October 25, 2007 : - Gaz de France, one of Europe's leading energy companies, has selected GE Energy's latest F-class technology for a new combined-cycle power plant that will produce 430 megawatts of power for France's Brittany region.
Under a turnkey contract of approximately 250 million (more than US$355 million), GE will supply a Frame 9FB gas turbine-generator and a type 109A HEATTM steam turbine for the new facility, to be located in the municipality of Montoir de Bretagne, on the banks of the Loire River.
"This important project for the region marks the beginning of a new relationship between Gaz de France and GE," said Ricardo Cordoba, Vice President - Energy Sales for GE Energy. "It will be the first large GE combined-cycle system to be installed in France."
Designed to be one of the world's most advanced, air-cooled 50-hertz gas turbines, the 9FB is the latest evolution of GE's F-class technology, which has been proven in more than 20 million hours of operation worldwide. Operating on natural gas, the 9FB-based combined-cycle system at Montoir de Bretagne will surpass 57% thermal efficiency.
"GE designed the 9FB combined-cycle system to provide high performance and low electrical cost," said Cordoba. "Improved output and efficiency lead to better fuel economy and reduced cost of producing electricity...keys to success in today's competitive market."
The 9FB gas turbine will be manufactured at GE's Belfort, France facility, the largest heavy duty gas turbine manufacturing plant in the country, while the steam turbine and generator will be manufactured in Schenectady, N.Y. The equipment is scheduled to be shipped during the summer of 2008, with the plant expected to begin commercial operation at the end of December, 2009.
GE is the leader of a project consortium that includes Tecnicas Reunidas. In addition to manufacturing and delivering the power train equipment, GE is responsible for project and engineering management. . Tecnicas Reunidas will provide the remaining project scope including balance of plant equipment and materials, civil works and mechanical and electrical erection.
About GE Energy
GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2006 revenue of $19 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE's corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.
For more information, contact:
Mary Gibson
GE Energy
+1 678 844 4312
mary1.gibson@ge.com
Ken Darling or Howard Masto
Masto Public Relations
+1 518 786 6488
kenneth.darling@ge.com
howard.masto@ge.com
