GE Vernova Rolls Out First H-Class Gas Turbine Completed At Saudi Arabia GESAT facility

The GE Saudi Advanced Turbines (GESAT) facility in Dammam has successfully rolled out its first H-class gas turbine unit, with the ceremony attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, and other dignitaries.

GE Vernova Inc., a joint venture between Dussur and GE Vernova, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Export-Import Bank to facilitate the export of goods and services from Saudi Arabia. The locally completed H-Class unit will power the Jafurah Cogeneration Independent Steam and Power Plant, which is expected to be the most efficient power plant in the country once operational.

Image Courtesy: GE Vernova

Supporting Saudi Vision 2030

The rollout of the gas turbine at GESAT marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia's energy sector and aligns with the country's economic diversification and local skills development initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030. Since 2018, GESAT has exported over 200 accessory modules for power plants generating more than 11 GW. The facility is now expanding its success with the rollout of one of the most advanced gas turbines completed in Saudi Arabia.

GE Vernova's H-class gas turbines are known for their high efficiency and performance, offering cost-effective conversion of natural gas to electricity. Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Vernova's Gas Power business in Europe, Middle East and Africa, highlighted that these turbines can support the country's energy transition by rapidly ramping up or down to maintain grid stability as more intermittent renewables are integrated into the energy system.

In addition to supporting local industry, GE Vernova aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's export capabilities through its MoU with Saudi EXIM. The agreement seeks to enable exports from the Kingdom via lending and insurance support from Saudi EXIM Bank. GESAT has been established to deliver technology products for export from Saudi Arabia, and this MoU aims to further enable such projects.

GE Vernova spun off from GE in April 2024 and currently trades as an independent company on the New York Stock Exchange. With around 55,000 wind turbines and 7,000 gas turbines under its belt, GE Vernova's technology generates approximately 25% of global electricity and plays a significant role in the ongoing energy transition.