GE Power Conversion has won two orders worth $23 million to supply highly efficient and flexible components for Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the region’s largest power generation utility.

GE was awarded a contract to supply 24 18-megawatt (MW) MV7000 variable speed drives (VSD) to SEC’s Jeddah South and Shuqaiq Steam Power Plants.

Each project consists of four 660-MW power blocks and is considered as one of the largest steam power plants globally. Hyundai Heavy Industries, the engineering, procurement and construction firm, awarded the contract.

The MV7000 range supplied by GE will drive the boiler feed pumps, which are the main plant auxiliaries, minimizing effects on the supply network by controlling motor speed, torque and power as well as providing more efficiency over the life cycle of the plant operation to the benefit of SEC.

The product range responds rapidly to changes in load, speed and torque commands and requires very limited, simple maintenance. This technology from GE also has eradicated complex mechanical components, and it provides a soft start that reduces voltage dips and starting shock to lessen required maintenance.

Alexander Kajo, GE Power Conversion Middle East, North Africa & Turkey CEO said: “Saudi Electricity Company is one of GE’s long-term partners, with our power generation technology installed in more than 40 sites of the region’s leading utility.

“Our contract to support the prestigious Jeddah South and Shuqaiq Steam Power Plants is significant for us as it highlights our competencies to provide highly efficient and flexible technologies for large power plants. We are thankful to Saudi Electricity Company and Hyundai Heavy Industries for our long-term partnership.”

MV7000 drives can support both induction and synchronous machines with high performance vector control across all speed ranges. Its high power factor minimizes the effect on the supply network while offering increased availability. The efficiency gains customers can expect to reap are around 10 per cent. Other key differentials include strong energy optimization, longer life expectancy even under load cycling and strong high levels of safety. – TradeArabia News Service