Bahrain’s Alba Places Order for GE’s World-Record-Setting HA Technology & Signs Long-Term Service
Agreement
- First use of HA technology in aluminum smelters world-wide
- First order for HA-level technology in the Gulf region
- Alba signs first long-term service agreement for 16 years, marking it as Gulf region’s first LTSA
for HA-class turbines for upkeep, remote digital assistance & other functions
- Combined-cycle project includes steam turbines, generators, and leading HRSG technology
GE Power, a division of GE (NYSE:GE), today announced an order from Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) for a turnkey combined-cycle
power plant, including three GE HA gas turbines, which will power the world’s largest single-site smelter.
This win marks the first order for GE H-Class turbines in the Gulf, as well as the first use of H-Class turbines by the aluminum
smelting industry anywhere in the world.
GE also marks two additional milestones for its Power Services business with this win – its multiyear agreement (MYA) with Alba
for a period of 16 years, which also represents the first MYA for HA gas turbines in the Gulf region.
“GE and GAMA Consortium have a proven track record when it comes to delivering world-class industrial projects in our region and
around the world, and we are thrilled to work with them on this project,” said Alba’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Murray. “Alba is
building the world’s largest single-site smelter, and we will utilize GE’s advanced HA technology to create the most efficient
power station in Bahrain.”
GE and GAMA, the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner will together oversee the design, engineering,
procurement, construction and commissioning of Power Station 5, a plant capable of generating 1,792 megawatts.
“GE has helped power the Gulf for more than three decades, and we’re very proud to work with Alba to now deliver greater
innovation than ever before in this region,” said Joe Mastrangelo, president and CEO of GE’s Gas Power Systems. “GE’s HA
turbines are designed to power the world at unprecedented levels of efficiency, and this order will mark the first time that
HA-level technology has been deployed anywhere in the Gulf. Further, the service agreement we’ve put in place will continue to
strengthen Alba’s efficiency and reduce operating and fuel costs for many years to come.”
Joseph J. Anis, GE’s President & CEO for Power Services in the Middle East & Africa, said, “We have a long-term
partnership with Alba, supporting the company with advanced technology solutions that enhance their operational efficiency and
productivity. The HA-level technology sets industry benchmarks in cost-effective conversion of fuel to electricity, and its first
deployment in the Gulf region and in the aluminum smelter industry globally by Alba highlights the company’s focus on deploying the
most advanced technology. We will continue to work with our partners in the region to deliver advanced solutions that help
strengthen the power infrastructure.”
The HA is GE’s largest and most efficient gas turbine. In June 2016, GE was recognized by Guinness World Records for powering the world’s most efficient combined-cycle power plant with its HA
technology.
The HA technology offers industry leading flexibility, allowing customers to maintain stable power production and reliably
accommodate grid variations through quick start up, rapid load changes and other features. This allows the HA to deliver reliable
and flexible operations not just for large power plants and utilities but also for captive power plants or small grids.
Alba’s Power Station 5 will also utilize GE’s Digital Power Plant software solutions, which have played a key role in unlocking the HA’s record-setting levels
of efficiency. These solutions provide valuable predictive insights for higher reliability and optimization by utilizing a
digital plant control system and a new class of Predix applications. For Alba, these capabilities enable an HA power plant to be custom configured and
tuned for this complex industrial application where process stability and uninterrupted power are vital. These digital
capabilities also increase the customers’ ability to run, adapt, and manage the plant for improved outcomes.
GE’s 16-year MYA will provide comprehensive coverage and risk-sharing mechanisms that cater to the advanced HA-class technology
with Alba set to benefit from increased power capacity to support its smelter expansion with extended outage intervals. GE will
provide maintenance coverage, onsite support personnel, digital remote support, emergency parts, as well as efficiency, output, and
availability guarantees. The service agreement will also add to Alba’s operational efficiency by enabling it to potentially retire
inefficient stations and place others on stand-by.
In addition to three HA gas turbines, the combined-cycle project order includes three A651 steam turbines, three heat recovery
steam generators (HRSGs) and other equipment. GE’s industry-leading HRSG technology became part of the company’s portfolio in 2015
as a result of GE’s acquisition of Alstom Power in November 2015.
About GE:
GE (NYSE:GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that
are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each
business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and
application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers
by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com
About GE Power:
GE Power is a world leader in power generation with deep domain expertise to help customers deliver electricity from a wide
spectrum of fuel sources. We are transforming the electricity industry with the digital power plant, the world’s largest and most
efficient gas turbine, full balance of plant, upgrade and service solutions as well as our data-leveraging software. Our innovative
technologies and digital offerings help make power more affordable, reliable, accessible and sustainable. www.gepower.com. Follow us on Twitter @GE_Power.
About Alba:
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) - one of the largest and modern aluminium smelters in the world - is renowned for its premium
grade aluminium products, technological strength and innovative policies, strict environmental guidelines and high track record for
safety. Established in 1971 as a 120,000 tonnes per annum smelter, Alba today produces more than 971,000 metric tonnes per annum of
the highest grade aluminium, with products including standard and T-ingots, extrusion billets, rolling slab, properzi ingots, and
molten aluminium.
Alba is listed on both the Bahrain Bourse and London Stock Exchange, and the Company’s shareholders are Bahrain Mumtalakat
Holding Company (69.38%), SABIC Industrial Investment Company (20.62%) and the General Public (10%).
GE Middle East, North Africa & Turkey
Caroline Wehbeh, +971-4-429-6318
caroline.wehbeh@ge.com
or
Eline Hilal
Tel: 973-1783-5100 (direct)
Fax: 973-1783-3822
Manager – Investor Relations, Public Relations & Corporate Secretary
Investor Relations & Public Relations Department
eline.hilal@alba.com.bh
www.albasmelter.com.bh
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