Kuwait’s largest power plant Sabiya said it has activated six gas turbine-generators powered by technology giant GE to boost its power output during the peak summer season.

These 9FA gas turbines are adding about 10 per cent of capacity to Kuwait’s grid and helping the country meet its peak demand for electricity, said a GE statement.

Sabiya's move has helped the plant raise the power output by nearly 1,400 MW thus supporting the country’s robust business and residential growth, it added.

The six 9FA gas turbines utilizes GE’s DLN2.6 emissions reducing technology that lowers annual CO2 and NOx emissions by significant margins, which support Kuwait’s clean air goals, said a senior official.

"Today’s announcement is part of a turnkey contract the Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity and Water signed in 2009 with GE and Hyundai Heavy Industries totaling $2.65 billion for the Sabiya power plant," Joseph Anis, GE Energy’s president for the Middle East.

Under the contract, GE will also operate and maintain the Kuwait government-owned plant for seven years from the date that the plant enters full combined-cycle commercial operation, he noted.

A highly skilled GE workforce will run the power station and provide training for the MEW employees to support growth plans and ensure efficient plant operation, he added.

The Sabiya project is a reflection of the Ministry’s commitment to provide reliable electricity for the people of Kuwait, said  Anis.

The power plant, which is among the largest in the region, sees its total output hit more than 2,000 MW once the plant enters combined-cycle operation in 2012.

Kuwait’s power demand is growing at approximately 7-10 per cent per year, and at this rate, the country estimates it will reach national peak load demand of 25,000 MW by 2025.

Anis said GE had been working with the Government to drive operational efficiencies and capacity enhancements by providing its world-class technologies. 

"Working closely with the Ministry of Electricity and Water and EPC contractor Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), we have been successful in meeting a very tight project schedule to make additional power available this summer," he noted.
 
"This very important project reinforces our growing commitment to Kuwait, where we have been active for nearly 40 years," he added.-TradeArabia News Service