GE, Sumitomo to develop 1.8GW power plant in Sharjah, UAE

A consortium made up of GE, Sumitomo, Shikoku Electric Power and Sharjah Asset Management (SAM) have signed an agreement to develop, build and operate what will be the first independent combined cycle power plant in Sharjah, UAE, with a capacity of about 1,800MW.

The gas-fired power plant, which will be built in Hamriyah, is targeted to enter into full operations in 2023. It is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA).

Dr. Rashid Alleem – Chairman of SEWA, commenting on the new power plant in Sharjah, said: “We are committed to strengthen Sharjah’s electricity infrastructure and provide seamless, affordable power. The proposed plant underlines our focus to promote public-private partnerships to drive a robust power production and management plan that is aligned with local energy needs, as well as the optimal utilization of natural resources.”

The new 1.8GW power plant in Sharjah will feature three HA gas turbines from GE. Photo courtesy of General Electric.

The new power plant in Sharjah will be equipped with GE’s HA technology and will feature three combined cycle blocks, the first of which is scheduled to begin operations in May 2021.

Overall, the 1.8GW power plant will be having three HA gas turbines, three steam turbines, six generators and three heat recovery steam generators, which will all be supplied by GE. The company will also be responsible for the turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services of the new Sharjah power plant.

Additionally, GE will supply parts and undertake repairs and maintenance services for the power generation equipment for a period of 25 years.

Commenting on the new power plant in Sharjah, Scott Strazik – President and CEO of GE Gas Power, said: “SEWA has a clear vision for Sharjah’s power sector, and GE is honored to partner with Sumitomo to deliver more efficient, reliable and sustainable power for residential and industrial users in Sharjah.

“The project brings together GE’s combined strengths in best-in-class technology, local presence, infrastructure and finance capabilities with our expertise in power plant construction, operations, and management.”