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Collaboration Between QEWC & GE To Enhance Energy Security | |
| Sumita Pawar |
A report says Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) has signed a contract with GE Gas Power (NYSE: GE) to provide upgrades and maintenance services for three 9F gas turbines over a nine-year period.
The units are set up at the Ras Abu Fontas B2 (RAF B2) Cogeneration Plant, which is about 10 kilometres south of the capital, Doha.
The agreement was signed by Mohammed N. Al-Hajri, Managing Director and General Manager of QEWC, and Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Gas Power Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
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Mohammed N. Al-Hajri said, "Since its inception, QEWC has been playing a pivotal role in meeting the electricity and water needs of the state of Qatar and currently holds, together with its joint venture partners, a total portfolio of more than 11 gigawatts of power capacity and 540 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of water capacity in Qatar. QEWC is committed to adopting solutions that help us meet our customers’ requirements and Qatar’s growing needs for water and electricity."
"GE’s partnership with QEWC started with the construction of the RAF B2 Cogeneration Plant as one of the EPC contractors and continued through the provision of long-term maintenance services since the plant began commercial operations in 2008. QEWC is pleased to continue its long association with GE to improve plant performance, reduce operating costs, and support vital operations to strengthen Qatar’s water and energy security."
According to the report, QEWC is the second largest utility company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the main supplier of electricity and desalinated water in Qatar.
The three units covered under the service agreement have a total generation capacity of up to 609 megawatts and equip one of the most important power facilities in Qatar, supporting the country’s electricity network. The services that will be provided by GE are expected to enhance the reliability and availability of each turbine, reduce operational risks, and help supply more secure, uninterrupted power to desalinate water and meet electricity demand in the country.
"Today, QEWC supplies up to 55% of Qatar’s electricity and up to 73% of the country’s water. The smooth execution of their operations is critical to supporting people and the economy and to enabling national progress. At GE, we are honoured to continue working closely with QEWC to further strengthen Qatar’s energy infrastructure and provide access to dependable, flexible gas power to meet the needs of residents and businesses," said Joseph Anis.
As the report mentioned, GE has the largest operating and most experienced F-class fleet in the world. There are more than 450 GE 9F gas turbines deployed in over 40 countries. The technology delivers consistent performance and accommodates a diverse range of fuels, including being up to 80 percent hydrogen capable, making it an excellent fit for various combined cycle and combined heat and power (CHP) applications.
For more than 50 years, GE has helped build important energy infrastructure in Qatar.This commitment continues today with GE supporting goals under the Qatar National Vision 2030 and its gas and steam turbines generating essential electricity to help power growth across the country.