SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd. (SEPCOIII), the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the Taiba 1 Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, has successfully installed the first 7HA.03 gas turbine.
The installation is the first deployment of GE Vernova’s advanced 7HA.03 gas turbine technology in Saudi Arabia.
The positioning of the turbine followed comprehensive planning, including rigorous inspections of the foundation, pre-hoisting preparations, and equipment assessments. The hoisting operation was executed safely and efficiently, reflecting the collaborative efforts of all involved specialties, according to a statement by the company.
The Taiba 1 power plant is located nearly 100 kilometers southeast of Madinah, and is part of a broader initiative to enhance Saudi Arabia’s power generation capacity.
In June 2024, GE Vernova secured an order from SEPCOIII for six 7HA.03 gas turbines and two 7E.03 gas turbines to be used in both the Taiba 1 and Qassim 1 IPP projects.
The projects, each with a capacity of 1.8 gigawatts, are expected to collectively deliver up to 3.8 gigawatts of electricity to the national grid upon completion in 2027.
The 7HA.03 gas turbines are designed for high efficiency and flexibility, capable of operating with up to 50% hydrogen by volume when blended with natural gas.
The plants are also planned to incorporate post-combustion carbon capture systems, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable energy mix.
Four of the six H-class turbines for these projects are being manufactured locally at the GE Saudi Advanced Turbines (GESAT) facility in Dammam. GESAT, a joint venture between GE Vernova and Dussur, represents a significant step in localizing advanced manufacturing capabilities within the Kingdom.
GE Vernova has also entered into a 21-year service agreement with the National Operations & Maintenance Company (NOMAC), a subsidiary of ACWA Power, to support the long-term operations and maintenance of the Taiba 1 and Qassim 1 plants.
