Saudi Arabia’s PP10 combined cycle expansion to boost output

GE has received a contract for nearly $200 million to supply steam turbine technology, power generation services and distributed control systems for the conversion of Saudi Electricity Company’s (SEC) PP10 power plant from simple to combined-cycle operation. The project will add 1,300 megawatts to the plant’s capacity, to support the growing power requirements of Saudi Arabia’s central region and help the Kingdom meet summer peak demands.

GE will now provide 10 of its SC series steam turbines specifically for the PP10 combined cycle expansion. GE previously supplied 40 7EA Gas Turbines for the PP10 site. The combined-cycle conversion enables the plant to increase its output without any increase in fuel, boosting its operating efficiency. Shipment of the GE equipment is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2013, with services to start in the second quarter of that year.

In addition to the SC series steam turbines, GE will supply new balance-of-plant mechanical and electrical equipment. An existing simple cycle Mark Vle integrated control system (ICS) will be expanded to incorporate the entire combined-cycle plant. GE power generation services will include installation, testing, commissioning and completing the combined-cycle conversion.