GE to supply three gas turbines to Sabah plant

In order to help lessen the increasing demand of the state, GE (NYSE: GE) will support the Kilmanis Power plant for 18 years.

GE will supply three Frame 6FA gas turbines, associated generators and services for the 300-megawatt combined cycle gas-fired power plant project in Sabah, Malaysia. Using natural gas as its primary fuel, the new plant will reinforce Sabah’s energy infrastructure and help the state meet its growing electricity demand, which is increasing by more than 7 percent annually.

The Kimanis Power plant will consist of three combined-cycle blocks of approximately 100 megawatts each. This configuration enhances the plant’s operational flexibility, reliability and availability. In addition to supplying equipment, GE has signed a contractual service agreement (CSA) with Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd to support the plant for 18 years.

The plant is to be developed by Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of PETRONAS Gas Berhad, the Malaysian natural gas company, on a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis.

Electricity will be sold to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd. The project is located on the coastal area of Kimanis Bay, adjacent to the proposed site for an on-shore gas terminal.

“We are delighted to be working once again with GE Energy, our technology partner in Malaysia for more than 30 years,” said Encik Samsudin Miskon, chairman of Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd and the MD/CEO of PETRONAS Gas Berhad. “This new project will benefit the state of Sabah not only by supplying a cleaner source of energy to meet increasing demand for electricity, but also will provide development opportunities for the state and the surrounding community. In addition, under the CSA agreement, Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd and GE Energy are working as partners to ensure the long-term reliability and availability of the gas turbines.”

GE’s CSAs are structured to provide customers with predictable maintenance costs, while ensuring high availability and a steady revenue flow from power plant operations. To date, GE has long-term service agreements in place at more than 700 sites Worldwide.

The Frame 6FA gas turbine is the mid-sized member of GE’s F technology fleet. With its output range, high exhaust energy and robust design, the 6FA gas turbine is well suited for combined- cycle, industrial and cogeneration applications. More than 100 units have been installed worldwide and have completed more than three million hours of service, making the 6FA gas turbine one of the most experienced gas turbines in its class. The 6FA gas turbines for the Kimanis Power project are expected to be shipped in the first quarter of 2012, with commercial operation scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2013.

“We believe that our advanced 6FA technology will offer the most efficient, competitive and reliable power for Sabah’s mid-sized grid requirement, and it also provides greater synergy with the existing GE gas turbine fleet in Malaysia,” said Bill (Wataru) Horie, general manager for GE Energy’s power generation business in Asia. “The Kimanis Power project builds on the strong role GE has played in Malaysia where we have been active since 1975, building relationships with leading Malaysia companies, such as PETRONAS.”

GE’s Frame 6FA gas turbine technology previously was applied to the Ranhill Powertron II plant, also located in Sabah. Like the Kimanis Power plant, this project supports the Malaysian government’s energy strategy to promote cleaner and more efficient power generation.