The second unit of the world's most efficient heavy duty GE 9HA.01 gas turbines has arrived from Belfort, France, in Pakistan to equip the 1,180 megawatt (MW) Bhikki Combined Cycle Power Plant in Punjab. The turbine follows an earlier unit that arrived in August, less than a year after the commencement of the Bhikki project. Both units are expected to enter commercial operation in 2017.
Once complete, the Bhikki facility will help to meet up to 20 percent of the current shortfall, contributing to the Government of Pakistan's goals under Vision 2025 to expand access to electricity to over 90 percent of the population. Chief Minister of Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif said "The Bhikki regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) project is an essential part of the Government of Punjab's strategy to meet citizens' needs for power."
GE has invested almost $2 billion in the development of HA technology, and the turbine provides a combination of the highest efficiency and superior operational flexibility, leading the industry in total life cycle value.-PR