Mitsubishi Power Wins Major Gas Turbine And Services Order In Saudi Arabia

Mitsubishi Power, a division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI has secured an order from Samsung C&T Corporation Saudi Arabia for its M501JAC combined-cycle gas turbine. This turbine will be used in a new industrial steam and electricity cogeneration plant in Jubail Saudi Arabia. The project is led by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and JERA Co., Inc.

The 475 MW cogeneration power plant will support the SATORP Strategic Expansion, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies. This expansion includes one of the largest mixed-load steam crackers in the Gulf region. The turbine will be assembled at Mitsubishi Power's facility in Dammam, marking the first time this has been done in Saudi Arabia.

The assembly center in Dammam spans 17,200 square meters and employs mostly Saudi nationals. This aligns with Vision 2030’s localization targets by providing career pathways through training programs. The facility also offers services for key gas turbine components.

The M501JAC gas turbine is known for its efficiency rate exceeding 64% and its ability to blend hydrogen with natural gas. This feature will help balance electricity supply and demand while supporting Saudi Arabia's decarbonization targets. The turbine's advanced technology ensures faster startup times and load-following capabilities.

Dr. Frank Possmeier, Chief Business Development Officer at TAQA's Generation business, stated: "TAQA and its partners are pleased to partner with Mitsubishi Power to harness the efficiencies and benefits of its J-class gas turbine technology to drive operational excellence and sustainability in our new plant, which, once operational, will provide highly efficient power and steam for the SATORP Strategic Expansion petrochemical complex.

"Developing the most efficient and reliable utility projects is a priority for TAQA; as we look to offer best-in-class generation plants for our partners and build on our existing track record of success. We believe that the Najim Cogeneration Plant will exemplify a world-class facility once it is operational."

Khalid Salem, President of Middle East & North Africa at Mitsubishi Power, commented: "We are proud to partner with TAQA and JERA on this landmark project which will play a pivotal role in the Kingdom's ambition to fast track its economic growth and meet its decarbonization goals, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Today heralds a new milestone in our journey of growth with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With the provision of Mitsubishi Power's cutting edge CCGT technology that will be assembled for the first time locally in the Kingdom, we are accelerating our ability to deliver clean, reliable and efficient power generation solutions that support our customers in powering the lives of communities in Saudi Arabia and across the region."

Mitsubishi Power has also signed a long-term service agreement with TAQA and JERA for parts, repairs, and services. This agreement aims to ensure high availability and reliability of equipment through localized support from Mitsubishi Power's service center near the plant site.

Izumi Kai, Managing Executive Officer at JERA, said: "JERA is excited to partner with Mitsubishi Power for the SATORP's Strategic Expansion. This new cogeneration plant, based on advanced J-class gas turbine technology, is designed to optimize energy efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we believe that the plant will ensure reliable and efficient power and steam generation, setting new standards in operational performance and sustainability."

Mitsubishi Power has been active in Saudi Arabia for over fifty years. It collaborates with major energy stakeholders like the Ministry of Energy, Saudi Aramco, SEC (Saudi Electricity Company), and SWCC (Saline Water Conversion Corporation). The company began operations by supplying boilers to Aramco in Abqaiq during the 1960s.

This project marks a significant step forward for both Mitsubishi Power and Saudi Arabia’s energy sector. It combines advanced technology with local expertise to meet growing energy demands while supporting environmental goals.