GE Power and Caithness Energy have announced an exclusive agreement with the intent to pursue development of multiple new HA combined-cycle power plants in the United States. The equipment package that GE will deliver as part of the agreement has a total value that could exceed $1 billion. The package is configured to include up to six high-efficiency HA gas turbines, six steam turbines, six heat recovery steam generators, IoT monitoring systems and other equipment – known as the power island. The agreement is expected to be effective March 31, and the plants are projected to be developed throughout 2017 and 2018.
“We’re thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with GE and expand our fleet of HA power plants across the United States,” said Les Gelber, president, Caithness Energy. “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.”
The HA gas turbines included in the agreement will be manufactured at GE’s Greenville, SC facility, and the steam turbines will be built at GE’s Schenectady, NY facility. In addition to the equipment, GE expects to provide multi-year service agreements for the continued maintenance and operation of each plant. GE expects to record the orders for the equipment and services over the next 24 months.
“GE’s HA and power island technology continue to be two of our greatest competitive advantages, winning business and delivering for our customers,” said Steve Bolze, president and CEO, GE Power. “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 HA is GE’s largest and most efficient gas turbine. The HA technology that will be delivered to Caithness will enable greater than 63 percent net plant efficiency on a standard condition basis. GE’s HA technology is capable of delivering full power to the grid in under 30 minutes, enabling power generators to maintain stable power production and reliably accommodate grid variations through quick start up, rapid load changes and other features.