GE and Caithness Energy have announced an agreement for GE to provide up to six high-efficiency HA gas turbines, six steam turbines, six heat recovery steam generators and other equipment (together known as ‘power islands’), for Caithness Energy’s power plants in the US.
GE Power president and CEO Steve Bolze said: “GE’s HA and power island technology continue to be two of our greatest competitive advantages, winning business and delivering for our customers.
“Our strategic relationship with Caithness, a long-time partner, proves that the market continues to want more flexible and efficient technology that can help make power more affordable, reliable, accessible and sustainable.”
The deal is expected to be effective from 31st March. The power islands will form the heart of Caithness’ CCGT power plant projects, which are scheduled to be developed throughout 2017 and 2018.
Caithness Energy president Les Gelber said: “We’re currently working to bring a new HA plant on line in Pennsylvania in 2018, and with this exclusive agreement Caithness will become the owner of the largest fleet of HA gas turbines – GE’s most efficient turbine - anywhere in the world.”
It is also expected that GE will sign multi-year service agreements for the maintenance and operations of the equipment at the power plants.
GE says its’ HA technology offers more than 63% of net plant efficiency under standard conditions, and is GE’s largest and most efficient gas turbine. It is also easily switch on-and-off-able, with the HA technology capable of delivering full power to the grid within 30 minutes.