GE, a global leader in power technology, said it has delivered the UAE’s first two GE HA gas turbines and is currently undergoing installation and commissioning works at the 1.8 gigawatts (GW) Hamriyah Independent Power Plant.
The company's HA technology is the fastest growing fleet of heavy-duty gas turbines globally and has already set two world records for efficiency, one each in the 60 hertz and 50 hertz segments of the power market.
GE is supplying a total of three 9HA.01 units and other power generation technologies for the facility. As per the deal, it will also provide parts, repairs and maintenance services for power generation assets at the site for a period of approximately 25 years.
According to GE, the project is expected to be the most efficient power plant in the Middle East’s utilities sector, contributing towards UAE Energy Strategy’s goal of reducing the carbon footprint of power generation.
Co-developers GE Energy Financial Services and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation had signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) in 2018 to develop, build and operate the plant.
Following financial close in 2019, co-developers along with Shikoku Electric Power Company and Sharjah Asset Management (SAM), the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah, formed a joint venture company - Sharjah Hamriyah Independent Power Company (Shipco) - to build, own and operate the project, which is the first independent combined cycle power plant in Sharjah.
Sewa Chairman Saeed Sultan Al Suwaidi said: "The delivery of GE’s H-class gas turbines at the Hamriyah Power Plant marks a significant milestone for the region’s utility sector. It brings us one step closer to delivering on our commitment to provide on demand, affordable power to meet the needs of Sharjah and to reduce the environmental impact of power generation activities in the emirate."
Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Gas Power (Europe, Middle East and Africa) said GE’s H-class turbines deliver flexible, efficient and reliable power to millions of people around the world.
"We are delighted to bring this record-setting technology to Sharjah to provide more efficient electricity, powering growth for communities across the emirate, and supporting the decarbonization goals outlined under the UAE Energy Strategy," he added.
