ISLAMABAD: GE Power hosted the Pakistan 9HA
Tech Conference in Islamabad, welcoming 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.
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 3,600megawatts (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 to 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.”
Today, 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 980girls 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 to
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.”
