GE to Provide LM2500 Aeroderivative Gas Turbine for New Power Plant in Argentina
ATLANTA, GA.-July 11, 2007-GE Energy will supply an LM2500PE aeroderivative gas turbine to project developer Sullair Argentina S.A. of Buenos Aires, Argentina for installation at Usina Termica de Rio Grande, a power plant located in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
The 22-megawatt machine will be used in simple-cycle operation at the plant, which will be owned and operated by Cooperativa Electrica de Rio Grande (CERG), headquartered in Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego.
Natural gas will be the primary fuel for the new gas turbine, with diesel as the backup fuel. The unit will enter commercial service in November of 2007. In addition to the equipment, the scope of GE's contract includes technical advisory services for installation and commissioning.
"This latest order further expands our relationship with CERG, which has been successfully operating a similar GE LM2500 gas turbine since 1997," said Charles (Chip) Blankenship, general manager of GE Energy's aeroderivative division. "That unit, which achieved 40,000 hours before its first hot section repair, now has accumulated nearly 80,000 hours of service without an overhaul."
CERG recently placed an order for an engine exchange on the older unit. This exchange, along with the hot section exchange done at 40,000 hours, will allow the unit to achieve availability in excess of 99 percent.
GE's gas turbine technology is well established in Argentina. Over the years, GE has supplied three LM2500s for mechanical drive, three LM2500s for power generation, numerous Frame 5 machines, 12 Frame 6Bs, nine Frame 9Es and nine Frame 9FA+e units for projects across the country.
GE Energy's aeroderivative division is a leading supplier of aeroderivative gas turbines and packaged generator sets for industrial and marine applications. The company provides power-generating equipment to utilities, industries and marine fleets throughout the world. It also is one of the world's largest and most experienced aeroderivative gas turbine service provider.
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, Ga., 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:
Ashley Davis
GE Energy
+ 1 713 803 0371
ashley.davis@ge.com
Gina DeRossi or Howard Masto
Masto Public Relations
+1 518 786 6488
gina.derossi@mastopr.com
howard.masto@ge.com
