GE has signed contracts totaling US$300mn to supply six gas turbines and associated services to the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company for two new combined-cycle power plants near Cairo that will support Egypts rapidly growing energy needs.
2,250 MW capacity
GE and its consortium partner, SEPCO III, have been selected for the expansions of Giza North and Banha power plants. The projects will add 2,250 MW of capacity to the country's power grid (10 per cent) of capacity to the country's grid, supporting residents and businesses.
This deal is the largest power generation order between GE and Egypt. The Giza North and Banha plants are scheduled to enter service by the middle of 2013 in time to help the country meet its peak power demands during the summer.
9FA Gas Turbines
The four 9FA Gas Turbines at Giza North, located 30 kilometers northwest of Cairo, will have a total capacity of 1,000 MW, while the plant will generate 1,500 megawatts in combined-cycle operation.
The two 9FA Gas Turbines at Banha, which is 40 kilometers northwest of Cairo, have a total capacity of 500 MW and the plant's combined-cycle output will be 750 megawatts. The gas turbines are scheduled for shipment to the project sites in the second quarter of 2012.
According to Egypt's Ministry of Electricity and Energy, the country experienced 13 per cent growth in electricity demand from 2009 to 2010, and the growth is expected to continue at a rate of approximately 11 per cent over the next five years.
GE will supply four Frame 9FA Gas Turbines for Giza North and two 9FA Gas Turbines for Banha, along with installation and technical services. The 9FA Gas Turbines are equipped with GE's dry low NOx (DLN) combustion technology to support lower emissions at Giza North and Banha power plants.
Acceleration
Dr. Hassan Younis, Egypt's Minister for Electricity and Energy, said: "Egypt is heralding a new era in its growth story, with a focus on the all-round development of all economic sectors. Driving this is the power industry, which is being upgraded and strengthened to meet the needs of the people and boost business efficiencies. The partnership with the major industrial energy companies will accelerate the development of the country's power sector and, in turn, the overall economy."
"GE's advanced technology produces power with high efficiency and promotes energy sustainability in Egypt," said Mahmoud Balbaa, chairman, Egyptian Electricity Holding Company.
