GE in deal to promote R&D in Saudi power sector

02/11/2017 21:03 AST

GE Power, a global leader that provides technology, solutions, and services across the entire energy value chain, has signed two technical agreements with Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to promote scientific research and development (R&D) for the power sector in the kingdom.

The collaborations will identify innovative solutions to develop and install new systems that will boost gas turbine efficiency and productivity, said a statement from GE Power.

The research will also focus on reducing the amount of ash that results from fuel combustion, it stated.

Khalid Al Rashed, the executive vice-president of engineering and projects, SEC, said both these agreements were part of SEC’s ongoing collaboration with GE to promote R&D in the power generation sector.

It underlines the commitment of both companies to drive a culture of localised innovation and to identify cutting-edge solutions that will help boost the efficiency of the kingdom’s power infrastructure, he stated.

"The first agreement aims to promote research that will help reduce the cost of power generation and power plant maintenance. The second will focus on installing a new system of fuel additives in gas turbines to reduce the water-washing cycle and increase capacity by reducing the amount of ash that results from fuel consumption during the power generation process," explained Al Rashed.

"The agreements highlight our commitment to leverage advanced technologies to reduce costs and dependence on oil resources, and to meet environmental standards," he added.

Hisham Albahkali, the president and CEO of GE Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, said: "We have a long-term relationship with SEC, and are committed to further strengthening it through these technical collaboration agreements."

“The focus on localised R&D to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the power sector supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030,” stated Albahkali.

“The new agreements underline our commitment to co-create localised solutions that will support the Kingdom’s power infrastructure,” he added.

Eissa Aqeeli, the president and CEO of GE’s Power Services business in Saudi Arabia, said: "We are confident the collaborations will lead to innovative solutions that will benefit SEC and the kingdom – not only through greater optimization in resource use but also by nurturing the skills of Saudi professionals in energy-sector research."

GE and SEC have long supported the development of Saudi Arabia’s power generation sector by bringing industry-leading innovations to the country, he added.

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