First Two Ge F-Technology Gas Turbines Begin Operation in Saudi Arabia


ATLANTA, GEORGIA - April 5, 2006 - Two GE Frame 7FA gas turbines have started operating at the 'Uthmaniyah Cogeneration Plant in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first F-technology machines to enter service in the Kingdom.

The two gas turbines are among six F-technology units GE has supplied for three cogeneration plants being built by the Tihama Power Generation Company of Saudi Arabia. The largest independent power producer in Saudi Arabia, Tihama Power is a joint venture between International Power of the United Kingdom and Saudi Oger of Saudi Arabia, an affiliate of the Saudi Arabia Oil Company (Saudi Aramco).

All of the plants are located in Saudi Arabia's eastern region. Saudi Aramco will supply the natural gas for the projects and will use the power and steam generated for its processing plants.

"GE's gas turbine technology is already well established in Saudi Arabia, with more than 300 machines installed in the Kingdom," said Abdullah Taibah, Region Executive and General Manager, GE Energy Middle East and Africa. "However, 'Uthmaniyah is a major milestone, marking the operating debut of our advanced F technology in Saudi Arabia."

Each of the 7FA units at 'Uthmaniyah is expected to generate more than 155 megawatts of power at 30° C, and 283 tons of steam per hour.

"Proven with more than 14 million hours of service around the world, GE's F technology gas turbines are designed to provide our customers with high levels of plant performance and output," said John Reinker, general manager of GE Energy's heavy duty gas turbine and combined cycle product lines.

The 7FA gas turbines were manufactured at GE's facility in Greenville, South Carolina, USA and installation at the 'Uthmaniyah site began in April 2005. The major contractor for the project was Hyundai Heavy Industries of Ulsan, Korea. Following the startup of the machines, performance testing has been completed and reliability tests are currently under way. In addition to the gas turbines, GE also supplied spare parts, training and services for the 'Uthmaniyah project.

GE Energy has been offering its products and services to the Middle East since the early 1930s, and its range of solutions has been used extensively in the Saudi petrochemical industry since the early 1970s. Through its advanced technology solutions, GE Energy helps customers meet strict environmental regulations and provides resources needed to fulfill project requirements. Its large base of gas turbines, gas compressors and generators in power generation and the oil and gas industry is utilized throughout the Middle East.

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 2005 revenue of $16.5 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:
Dennis Murphy
GE Energy
+1 678 844 6948
dennis.murphy@ge.com

Ken Darling or Howard Masto
Masto Public Relations
+1 518 786 6488
kenneth.darling@ge.com
howard.masto@ge.com

All Topics