GE Vernova has now begun official operations at its GESAT facility, located 125 kilometers southeast of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This state-of-the-art facility features a locally built 7HA.01 gas turbine. It was smartly conceived as a means to increase energy production efficiency throughout the tri-state region. We then brought the GESAT facility up to an impressive capacity of 320 megawatts electrical (MWe). When it goes online, it will be one of the most efficient power plants in the nation.
The GESAT facility is designed to produce a whopping 314 tons/hour of drip steam. This steam will be used to power day-to-day operations at the Jafurah gas field. This development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious energy strategy, which aims to boost natural gas production while ensuring environmental sustainability.
A Legacy of Commitment to Energy Solutions
GE Vernova has built a strong foundation in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector throughout its 90-year history. The company has been involved in many projects, including the Khobar Integration Facility, delivering critical grid assets. Beyond the digital vision, GE Vernova runs the GEMTEC campus — a new, key hub that centralizes service and repairs of gas turbines.
The GEMTEC campus serves as home to the MENA Decarbonisation Centre of Excellence. This research center focuses on creating breakthrough technologies to reduce carbon emissions from energy generation. The facility features a monitoring and diagnostics center dedicated to remotely overseeing power generation assets, ensuring optimal performance and reliability across the region.
Driving Local Capacity and Innovation
GESAT, a joint venture between Dussur and GE Vernova, was formed in 2017. Since then, it has played a key role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s increasing need for gas turbines. By September 2024, GE Vernova will fully acquire Dussur’s shares in the venture, further solidifying its commitment to localizing advanced energy solutions.
GESAT’s operations include the on-site final assembly of high-performance F-class and H-class gas turbines. The facility currently produces high-performance post-cast components and accessory modules. Using them allows generators to produce more power using less fuel while cutting emissions.
Meeting Future Energy Demands
Amongst these developments, the upcoming Jafurah gas field is set to make waves in the Kingdom’s energy ecosystem. The booming field is estimated to yield as much as 630,000 barrels of natural gas liquids and condensates per day by 2030. Moreover, it will produce over 420 million standard cubic feet of ethane per day, providing a backbone for the kingdom’s future energy aspirations.
GE Vernova’s GESAT facility will bring important clean, reliable power to the region. It will additionally increase support for more comprehensive efforts to improve energy infrastructure and fuel economic development across the region.