INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology
GE Vernova and Saudi Electricity Company leverage Live Outage digital platform for maintenance
GE Vernova and Saudi Electricity Company, SEC have announced the successful completion of the first gas turbine outage entirely planned and executed by GE Vernova’ s Saudi engineers and specialists. This project at SEC ' s 8th power plant in Riyadh highlights both companies ' commitment to fostering local talent and promoting localisation.
The maintenance, led by GE Vernova’ s Gas Power One Field Services team in collaboration with SEC’ s teams, was crucial completed the project on schedule, supported by GE Vernova’ s Live Outage platform. This digital tool enhances field execution through standardised procedures, streamlined tasks and safety best practices.
GE Vernova’ s power plant outage services team brings extensive experience in optimising power plant performance through expert maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. This Saudi-led initiative marks a pivotal step in enhancing plant efficiency and the longterm reliability of power units.
For nearly 90 years, GE Vernova has contributed to Saudi Arabia’ s energy infrastructure, supporting economic diversification, localisation, and talent development. Employing more than 850 people in Saudi Arabia, GE Vernova’ s investments include the GE Manufacturing and Technology Centre, GEMTEC campus in Dammam, which features a Service and Repairs Centre for gas turbines, the GE MENA Decarbonisation Centre of Excellence, and GE Saudi Advanced Turbines, GESAT.
The 8th power plant in Riyadh is a strategic facility that plays a crucial role in addressing the growing electricity demands of the capital. With a production capacity exceeding 1,700 megawatts, it significantly enhances the stability of the electrical grid in Riyadh and its surrounding areas.
The plant comprises several blocks, one of which is equipped with four of GE Vernova’ s 7F gas turbines, collectively capable of producing close to 500 megawatts. for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the power generation assets. It required meticulous planning and execution, demonstrating the culmination of a decade of comprehensive training, certifications, accreditations, practical experience, and professional development for Saudi talent.
Male and female Saudi engineers and specialists at the 8th power plant prioritised rigorous safety protocols and successfully
In 2024, GE Vernova secured its largestever Middle East and Africa order for six 7HA. 03 gas turbines, two 7E. 03 units, and a 21-year maintenance agreement for Saudi Arabia ' s Taiba 1 and Qassim 1 power plants. The company also completed FEED studies exploring decarbonisation options for three Saudi Arabian cogeneration plants, potentially reducing carbon emissions using pre- and postcombustion technologies.
Engineer Abdulaziz Saeed Al-Shumaila, Head of Power Generation Operations in the Central Region, Saudi Electricity Company, said,“ We are committed to providing reliable and stable power supply for Saudi Arabia. GE Vernova’ s Saudi-led outage at the 8th power plant marks a new era in the Saudi power sector, underscoring our commitment to driving innovation and developing local talent.”
“ Through our strategic collaboration with GE Vernova, we aim to empower more Saudi engineers and specialists to assume advanced leadership and technical roles within Saudi Arabia’ s robust energy ecosystem. This collaboration will also contribute to local skills development initiatives, supporting the achievement of Vision 2030 goals.” p
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