GE Power hosts Pakistan 9HA Tech conference

GE Power hosted the Pakistan 9HA Tech Conference in the federal capital welcoming the government officials, industry experts, power plant owners and operators, consultants, and others.

The event highlighted the contributions of GE's 9HA gas turbine technology and teams in meeting Pakistan's energy needs and strengthening community infrastructure, says a press release issued here.

Access to affordable, reliable, flexible and sustainable electricity is critical to growing economies and fundamental to improving quality of life in the modern world. Equipped with two units each of GE's 9HA gas turbines, Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power (Private) Limited's (QATPL's) Bhikki, and National Power Parks Management Company's (NPPMCL's) Haveli Bahadur Shah, and Balloki power plants have now been operational for over a year. The projects can generate up to 3,600 megawatts (MW) in total, the equivalent electricity needed to supply over 7 million Pakistani homes. Together, the plants have achieved over 80,000 operating hours to date, helping meet a significant part of the country's previous energy gap. They have also delivered the highest net efficiency levels of any gas power plant in the country - up to 62.44% at Haveli Bahadur Shah - leading to the least cost conversion of gas to electricity, as well as lower fuel bills and greenhouse gas emissions per megawatt of power generated.

Speaking at the event, Arif Saeed, Chairman Service Industries and former Chairman of the Boards of QATPL and NPPMCL said, "The Bhikki, Haveli Bahadur Shah, and Balloki projects were executed at the lowest per MW engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) costs in Pakistan's history, with the highest levels of efficiency. The project, fuel,and operations and maintenance savings over the lifetime of the plants come up to $7.5 billion, benefiting millions of Pakistanis for years to come.

The strict adherence to public procurement rules and the adoption of GE's 9HA technology played a critical role in helping to unlock these benefits."

GE's HA technology is the fastest growing fleet of heavy-duty gas turbines in the world, having achieved several notable milestones. Over 100 units of the technology have been ordered globally from more than 40 customers across over 18 countries. The HA turbine has also been recognized for powering the world's most efficient power plants in both the 50-hertz and 60-hertz energy segments. The high operational flexibility offered by the technology, which can ramp power production up and down quickly, can also help to enhance grid stability in countries such as Pakistan that are adding more intermittent supplies of renewable power to their energy mix.

Moreover, GE continues to invest in the advancement of its HA technology, launching the 7HA.03, the world's largest, most-efficient, highest-capacity 60-hertz gas turbine. It offers up to 134 MW more than GE's 7HA.02 gas turbine and substantial improvements in three key areas: greater capacity and performance, enhanced flexibility, and lower capital costs and installation time. The new 7HA.03 will power Florida Power & Light Company's (FPL) Dania Beach Clean Energy Center near Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Beyond bringing industry-leading solutions to Pakistan, GE continues to build on a vibrant spirit of volunteerism and community service in the country. Recently, GE Power's team at the Haveli Bahadur Shah Power Plant undertook refurbishment and repair works at the Government Girls High School Haveli Bahadur Shah in district Jhang. They also provided much-needed school supplies, furniture, and water coolers. More than 980 girls study at the school and benefited from the activities.

Dr Firdous Kosar, the principal of the school said, "We are thankful for GE's generous contributions, which have helped create a more comfortable learning environment for our students and illustrate their commitment to improving the lives of our future generations."

"GE has been honored to support the development of Pakistan's infrastructure for more than fifty years. In the power sector, we have provided advanced solutions to utilize various energy sources, including natural gas, coal, wind, hydro, and others," said Adel Masaad, General Manager of GE Power in the Gulf and South Asia.

"Today, GE-built technologies can generate up to 30 percent of the country's electricity. We remain committed to building further on this legacy by continuing to bring leading technologies to Pakistan, creating the infrastructure needed for faster socio-economic development, nurturing local talent, and volunteering for community-building efforts."-PR