Completion of Fast Track Power Project 4.8 GW in Egypt by Siemens

Siemens announced that it achieved a new world record for the execution of fast-track power projects in Egypt by connecting 4.8 gigawatts to the national grid, according to a statement on Thursday. 

The German company set a goal 18 months ago to bring 4.4 GW to the national grid, a target that has been exceeded by 400 MW, the statement said, pointing out that the surplus of 400 MW could cover the electricity requirements for one million people. 

Siemens, in cooperation with Orascom Construction and Elsewedy Electric, succeeded in boosting Egypt's power generation capacity by 45 percent in 18 months, the statement read.

"We made a promise to Egypt and we kept our word. And by doing so, we not only overachieved in performance, we also broke all records in modern turnkey power plant construction. This was only possible by an outstanding collaboration between the government, the Ministry of Electricity, the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company and a dedicated and competent Siemens team," said Joe Kaeser, President and CEO of Siemens AG.

The company targets finalizing three power stations in May 2018 that would comprise the "largest gas-fired, combined cycle power plants ever built and operated in the world."

The CEO for Siemens Egypt, Emad Ghaly, said the three power plants will provide electricity to 45 milion people and will allow Egypt to save up to US$1.3 billion a year. 

GE wins first of its kind contract of oOEM services

Powering the Middle East! GE wins first of its kind contract servicing a generator manufactured by another Original Equipment Manufacturer (oOEM) highlighting GE’s expanded capabilities to service oOEM products.

One of the most exciting aspects of GE’s acquisition of Alstom’s energy portfolio in November 2015 was how it would potentially enhance the company’s range of total plant solutions, cross fleet capabilities and regional presence. This includes the ability to service non-GE equipment within the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region.

One such example is the recent execution by GE’s Power Services business of an agreement with Suez-Tractabel Operation & Maintenance Oman LLC (STOMO) for stator rewinding services, high speed balancing of the rotor, as well as digital solutions for an Ansaldo generator at the Barka II Power and Desalination Plant.

Located about 50 kilometers away from Muscat, Barka II can deliver up to 120,000 cubic meters per day of potable water, as well as 678 megawatts (MW) of electrical power to the Sultanate of Oman. The contract was the first of its kind for Power Services to be executed in the Middle East region.

The generator stator rewinding is expected to extend the asset’s life for approximately 20 years and was conducted on site. GE also leveraged its regional strengths by undertaking inspection services and high speed balancing for the rotor at the Global Repair Solutions Jebel Ali Generator Service Center in Dubai.

Further enhancing the maintenance, GE also provided a generator health monitoring suite, which allows for improved asset management.

“GE’s deep understanding of the industry, technological capabilities and advanced suite of digital industrial solutions positioned them as a trusted partner of choice,” said Jurgen De Vyt, Chief Executive Officer, SMN Power Holding Company. “The services were delivered as per internationally recognized standards through proactive, on-the-ground support by GE’s highly qualified team of engineers, helping us increase our competitiveness.”

GE’s Global Repair Solutions Jebel Ali Generator Service Center in Dubai is the only facility in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan region to provide high-speed balancing services. This allows any type of rotor repairs and field rewinds requiring high-speed testing, thereby reducing the risk of failure during onsite commissioning and improving the availability and reliability of the power plant.

With one of the largest services portfolios in the industry and expanded total plant solutions capabilities, GE’s Power Services now can support more than 90 OEM brands across all major plant assets and service any type of generator (30+ OEM brands).

GE is a key partner in supporting the Sultanate of Oman’s energy production and has had an active presence in the country since 1975. GE has an office in Muscat and an Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) Field Service & Repair Center in Nimr. More than 80 turbines installed by GE support the generation of over 8 gigawatts of power in Oman, serving nearly half the country’s production.