“ GE is committed to powering Pakistan , and we are proud to work with our customers there to swiftly meet the increasing demand for power with the world ’ s most advanced gas turbine technology ,” said Mohamad Ali , President & CEO of GE ’ s Gas Power Systems – Projects , in the Middle East , North Africa and India . “ Our HA technology is expected to help the Bhikki Power Plant become Pakistan ’ s most efficient combined cycle power plant , and we look forward to following this exciting milestone with full commercial operation later this year .”
The HA is the result of almost US $ 2 billion in research and development and is GE ’ s largest and most efficient heavy duty gas turbine . In June 2016 , GE set a world record for powering the world ’ s most efficient combined-cycle power plant in France with its HA technology . Pakistan is the first country in the Middle East , North Africa , Turkey and South Asia region to use this recordsetting technology .
“ We made a commitment to address the country ’ s energy deficit and are leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of that goal ,” stated the Honourable Chief Minister of Punjab , Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif . “ GE ’ s HA gas turbines have set industry efficiency benchmarks in the conversion of fuel to electricity . I am happy to note that adopting this technology through a transparent procurement process has helped save billions of rupees , while enabling us to generate efficient , reliable power at low lifecycle costs .”
The Bhikki facility will be the country ’ s first power plant to run on imported supplies of liquefied natural gas ( LNG ). It is projected to generate up to 1,180 MW - the equivalent power needed to supply approximately 2.5 million Pakistani homes – once it starts combined cycle operations later this year .
“ From steam turbines for K-Electric back in the 1960s to advanced F-class gas turbines for the Guddu Power Plant a few years ago , and now , these record-setting 9HA units at the Bhikki Power Plant , GE remains committed to pushing the boundary of possibilities by bringing advanced solutions to the country ,” added Sarim Sheikh , President & CEO of GE Pakistan , Iran and Afghanistan .
GE entered an agreement to provide two highefficiency 9HA . 01 gas turbines and associated equipment to HEI for the Bhikki Combined Cycle Power Plant in September 2015 . HEI is providing engineering , procurement and construction services for the facility .
GE has supported the development of energy , transportation and healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan for more than 50 years . Today , GEbuilt technologies can generate the equivalent power needed to supply up to 25 percent of the country ’ s electricity .