Russian Power Plant Upgrade Featuring GE Technology to Help Meet Growing Energy Needs of St. Petersburg's Industrial District


Project with Local Power Company GSR Energy Supports Country's Energy Initiative

ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA- GE's (NYSE: GE) advanced gas turbine technology has been selected for a power plant upgrade that will help meet the energy needs of a rapidly growing industrial district in St. Petersburg, the capital of Russia's northwest region. The project is part of the Russian government's development plan for St. Petersburg and also supports the country's overall strategy to expand and continue to modernize its energy infrastructure.

An aging power plant in St. Petersburg's Kolpino district, which encompasses more than 30 large industrial and manufacturing companies, has been unable to meet the area's constantly growing demand for power. GSR Energo, a local electricity and heat supplier, is building a new combined-cycle power plant in two phases, with each phase to add 110 megawatts of power and 89 megawatts of heating capacity. In a combined-cycle power plant, waste heat from a gas turbine is captured and used to drive a steam turbine-generator to produce additional energy.

GE will supply a Frame 6FA gas turbine and associated generator for the Kolpino project. The unit is expected to be shipped by the end of 2011, with commercial operation scheduled to start during 2013. The mid-sized member of GE's F technology fleet of gas turbines, the 6FA is well-suited for combined-cycle, industrial and cogeneration applications. More than 100 units are installed globally and have completed 3 million hours of service, making the 6FA one of the most experienced gas turbines in its class.

"Based on its position as a leader in power generation technology, we believe GE is the right partner to help us supply reliable power for the people and the businesses of Kolpino. GE's 6FA gas turbine has a proven record of reliability and performance, making it a good match for our project requirements," said Viktor Kotov, CEO of GSR Energo.

Kolpino continues a series of recent GE projects that support the growth of Russia's energy infrastructure. Over the past several months, GE has announced a power plant project in Berezniki, an industrial city in Russia's Urals Federal District; a framework agreement with one of Russia's largest electric power companies to manufacture energy-efficient, heavy duty gas turbines in Russia; and the grand opening of the GE Energy Technology Center in Russia's Kuluga region, which will manufacture and service advanced power generation equipment.

"Like all rapidly growing industrial economies, it is crucial for Russia to provide its industrial and commercial customers with a reliable and cost-effective electricity supply. To support this effort and to promote projects like the Kolpino power plant, the Russian government has launched initiatives for energy infrastructure investment and energy efficiency," said Ruslan Pakhomov, GE Energy executive director, Russia.

"We have been working closely with GSR Energo for more than two years, as they developed this project. We believe that with one of the energy industry's broadest technology portfolios, and our continued development of in-country capabilities, we are well positioned to provide the necessary technology and service solutions to our customers in Russia and the region," added Pakhomov.

GE has been operating in Russia since the early 20th century and today has 2,500 employees in the country. GE is represented across the country in multiple industries including healthcare, transportation, aviation, electric power, oil and gas, water treatment, financial services, media, appliances, lighting and intelligent platforms.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world's toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy www.ge.com/energy-GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas-work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, 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; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.

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