GE Power Build-Up Helps Ease Bangladesh's Severe Energy Shortage
Four TM2500 Aeroderivative Gas Turbines to Produce Reliable Electricity on Short Notice
HOUSTON, TEXAS- Responding to severe power shortages in Bangladesh triggered by increased industrial and domestic demand, GE (NYSE: GE) announced it has won a contract to supply the country with four gas turbine rental units that will begin generating commercial power in the first quarter of 2011.
The gas turbine units will help to close an energy gap where only 40 percent of Bangladesh's 156 million citizens has access to electricity.
The rental project will be the first installation of GE's TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Power Development Board awarded Max Power, a local power utility, the contract to rent four GE units, which will burn natural gas and generate a total of 76 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The new power will be used to support the immediate residential, industrial and agricultural needs of the Ghorasal region. While natural gas shortages in some regions of Bangladesh have contributed to the country's power crisis, Ghorasal is located close to the Titas gas field and serves as a hub for natural gas transmission.
"The Quick Rental Power Plant at Ghorasal will immensely help the population of Bangladesh in reducing the frequent load shedding and power outages," said Sufian A. Khondker, PhD., department head, water resources engineering for Max Power.
"Frequent load shedding and power outages are adversely affecting the day-to-day life of the Bangladesh population as well as the operation of major industries," Khondker said. "In addition, GE's TM2500 gas turbine portable units are considered one of the most environmentally friendly power plants. Compared with HSD (high speed diesel) or HFO (heavy furnace oil), the gas-fueled power plant will have lower emissions of certain air pollutants. This 75-MW rental power plant at Ghorasal will help alleviate the sufferings of the population of Bangladesh caused by power outages and bring about great benefits in reducing load shedding."
A portable version of GE's well-proven LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine, the TM2500 can be easily transported by ship, plane or truck and can be quickly installed on site. Offering 10-minute startup capability, each TM2500 unit is capable of producing more than 20 megawatts of power on short notice.
"GE is constantly striving to develop innovative technology that can address our customers' dynamic energy and water needs. Our ability to deliver these rental units and get them operating quickly is a key to meeting Bangladesh's urgent power requirements," said Darryl Wilson, vice president-aeroderivative gas turbines for GE Power & Water. "We're confident that our TM2500 technology can play a significant role in helping to alleviate the severe power needs facing the people in the Ghorashal region of Bangladesh."
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world's toughest challenges. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, health care solutions and television programming, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources. With nearly 85,000 global employees and 2009 revenues of $40 billion, GE Energy www.ge.com/energy is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies. The businesses that comprise GE Energy-GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas-work together to provide integrated product and service solutions 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.
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