Electrifying Empowerment: GE Vernova & Saudi Electricity Company Complete First Saudi-Led Gas Turbine Overhaul

In a significant stride towards advancing the energy sector in Saudi Arabia, GE Vernova, Inc. (NYSE: GEV) and the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) have jointly announced the culmination of a landmark project. This initiative saw the first gas turbine outage at SEC's 8th power plant in Riyadh, meticulously planned and executed by a team of Saudi engineers and specialists from GE Vernova.

This project marks an important milestone in the collaboration between GE Vernova and SEC. The 8th power plant, a key facility in Riyadh, plays a pivotal role in meeting the capital's growing electricity needs.

It boasts a production capacity of over 1,700MW, significantly bolstering the reliability of the electrical grid in Riyadh and its surrounding regions. The plant includes blocks equipped with GE Vernova's 7F gas turbines, one of which can generate nearly 500 megawatts.

The maintenance project, led by GE Vernova's Gas Power One Field Services team in partnership with SEC's teams, was critical for ensuring the operational reliability and efficiency of the power generation assets. This task showcased the culmination of extensive training, certifications, and professional development for Saudi talent, reflecting a decade-long investment in building expertise within the Kingdom.

Engineer Abdulaziz Saeed Al-Shumaila, Head of Power Generation Operations in the Central Region at SEC, stated, "We are committed to providing reliable and stable power supply for the Kingdom. GE Vernova's Saudi-led outage at the 8th power plant marks a new era in the Saudi power sector, underscoring our commitment to driving innovation and developing local talent.

"Through our strategic collaboration with GE Vernova, we aim to empower more Saudi engineers and specialists to assume advanced leadership and technical roles within the Kingdom's robust energy ecosystem. This collaboration will also contribute to local skills development initiatives, supporting the achievement of Vision 2030 goals."

The project's success was significantly bolstered by the use of GE Vernova's Live Outage platform, which employs digital tools to enhance field execution through standardized procedures and safety best practices. The Saudi-led team, comprising both male and female engineers and specialists, adhered to stringent safety protocols, ensuring the project was completed on schedule.

Hisham Al Bahkali, President of GE Vernova in Saudi Arabia, lauded the achievement, noting, "Our successful maintenance project at Riyadh's 8th power plant showcases the Kingdom's local talent in driving a more sustainable energy future, directly supporting Vision 2030. This achievement demonstrates Saudi engineers' capabilities in managing complex energy projects. Our ongoing collaboration with SEC will further advance the Kingdom's energy transformation and cultivate national competencies."

The announcement of this successful project follows the significant milestone celebrated months earlier, where, in the presence of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, GE Vernova unveiled the first H-class gas turbine unit completed at the GE Saudi Advanced Turbines (GESAT) facility in Dammam. This turbine is poised to power the Jafurah Cogeneration Independent Steam and Power Plant (ISPP), reinforcing GE Vernova's dedication to supporting national strategies like Vision 2030.

In 2024, GE Vernova achieved a remarkable milestone by securing its largest-ever order in the Middle East & Africa region. This order included six 7HA.03 gas turbines and two 7E.03 units, alongside a 21-year maintenance agreement for the Taiba 1 and Qassim 1 power plants in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the company completed Front End Engineering Design (FEED) studies to explore decarbonisation options for three cogeneration plants in Saudi Arabia, aiming at reducing carbon emissions through innovative pre- and post-combustion technologies.