GE Vernova celebrates commercial operations launch at Jafurah Cogeneration Independent Steam and Power Plant (ISPP). The new facility is located about 125 kilometers southeast of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This new facility has records of its own, including having a stunningly large capacity of 320 megawatts electrical (MWe). With a locally completed 7HA.01 gas turbine, it’s one of the region’s most efficient power plants. The launch, successful beyond their wildest hopes, it would appear, marks an important step in the kingdom’s ambitious plans to modernize its energy infrastructure.
The Jafurah ISPP will play a direct role in the operation of the massive Jafurah gas field. By 2030, this field is expected to be spitting out more than 630,000 barrels of natural gas liquids and condensates a day. Moreover, it is projected to bring more than 420 million standard cubic feet of ethane per day. The facility will provide up to 314 tons of steam/hour. This will go a long way to actually fulfilling the operational needs of the gas field.
Strategic Partnership and Local Contributions
The GESAT facility, a joint venture between Dussur and GE Vernova, has been instrumental in addressing Saudi Arabia’s growing demand for high-performance gas turbines. This collaboration is a critical step in deepening the community’s growing energy ecosystem. It targets explicitly to improve completion and manufacturing of F-class and H-class gas turbines literally in the community’s backyard. In addition to post-cast performance components and accessory modules, GESAT has emphasized production capabilities that continue to develop local capacity in gas turbine technology.
By September 2024, GE Vernova will finalize its acquisition of Dussur’s shares in GESAT. This step will help ensure GE Vernova remains an anchor for driving the region’s energy future. This move enables GE Vernova to unlock its deep domain expertise. Over the past 90 years, the state-owned company has played a critical role in Saudi Arabia’s transformation of its economy. In addition to their integral work on GESAT, the company is supporting the Khobar Integration Facility, where they’re creating grid solutions. Furthermore, they run the GEMTEC campus, ground of a service and repairs center for gas turbines, and the MENA Decarbonisation Centre of Excellence.
Future Impact on Saudi Energy Sector
It’s both a major technological breakthrough to and a smart gambit to address the rising energy needs in the quickly expanding kingdom. Saudi Arabia to the contrary is making a major effort to diversify its energy sources and increase its efficiency. Facilities such as the Jafurah ISPP will surely be instrumental in achieving these national objectives.
It’s expected to be the backbone of its Jafurah gas field. It will provide development opportunities and essential resources for local consumption as well as export. Facilities such as GESAT reflect the overt embrace of advanced technology. This remarkable breakthrough further underscores Saudi Arabia’s deep commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in its energy sector.