Environment & Energy | Monday 12 January, 2015 12:53 am |

GE Power & Water (NYSE: GE) is highlighting its commitment to strengthening the operational efficiency of the energy industry in Saudi Arabia through its participation at the 10th edition of the Saudi Water & Power Forum to be held from January 12 to 14, 2015, at Al-Faisaliyah Hotel in Riyadh. At the event, GE will showcase its most-advanced suite of energy and water reuse technologies that will enable the Kingdom to address growing demand for power and water. As the Gold Sponsor of the event, GE will also underline its focus on promoting localized innovation and the development of Saudi talent in the power and water sector through various training initiatives.

One of the key power sector technologies to be displayed by GE at the Forum is its heavy-duty 7HA Gas Turbine. This turbine provides GE’s most cost effective conversion of fuel to power in the 60 Hz H-class industry. Combined cycle plants with 7HA Gas Turbines achieve more than 61% net/62% gross combined cycle efficiency based on industry estimates.

Also highlighted will be GE’s Power FlexEfficiency, which delivers a suite of hardware and software blended solutions that enable clients to unleash the full performance and long-term value of their existing GE F-Class gas turbine assets.

A leading example of the Power FlexEfficiency at work is GE’s Advanced Gas Path (AGP), which is setting new standards in performance and is being implemented in the Kingdom.

Mohammed Mohaisen, CEO, GE Power Generation Products & Services Sales, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), said: “GE is focused on strengthening the energy sector efficiency in Saudi Arabia to meet the growing requirements of power and water. Through our participation at the Saudi Water & Power Forum, we aim to be closer to our partners and provide them a detailed overview of our commitment to R&D to develop new technologies that will add long-term value to their operations.”

He added: “With a focus on localization and building a local supply chain, we are on track to roll out the first Saudi-manufactured gas turbine at our GE Manufacturing Technology Center in 2016. We have already achieved about 70 percent Nationalization at the Center, with several additional job opportunities being created for Saudis.”

Mohammed Mohaisen will take part in the panel discussion ’10 Year Anniversary: Successes, Priorities and 10 years Strategies for the Water & Power Sectors in the KSA’, to be held on January 13.





As part of GE’s US$1 billion investment in the Kingdom, the company is investing not only in supporting infrastructure development but also in localized manufacturing, training of Saudi professionals and investing in a culture of localized innovation.

With over US$50 million in sourcing spend domestically to date, GE Manufacturing Technology Center serves over 70 customers from over 30 countries around the world, and has serviced over 550 gas turbines, to date. Nearly 80 per cent of all parts assembled at the center are for external markets including Europe and the US as well as GE’s manufacturing facilities globally.

The Saudi Water & Power Forum will also host the 2015 SWPF Awards, which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievements in the industry. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner during the Inauguration Opening Ceremony on January 12, which will include remarks on the ‘Saudi Aramco/GE innovation challenge.’

Saudi Arabia has the largest GE workforce in the Middle East with over 1,600 employees driving the healthcare, transportation, power, oil & gas, water, and aviation businesses. More than 500 GE turbines currently generate over 50 per cent of Saudi’s electricity, and the company’s advanced technology supports the production of 180 million liters clean water daily, delivered to the country’s remotest corners