Riyadh-Mubasher: Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC) is turning to longtime partner General Electric (GE) for help in quickly meeting the rising demand for fast power in isolated desert areas.

SEC has ordered six more of GE’s trailer-mounted, fast-starting TM2500+ mobile aeroderivative gas turbine packages for existing power plant locations in Jizan and Tabuk, according to the company's press release.

With ‘black-start’ capability, these proven turbines can serve as emergency generators in the event of a power outage.

This order follows the successful 2015 commissioning of five TM2500+ units throughout Saudi Arabia.

The new TM2500+ mobile packages have been produced and are expected to be shipped to the site locations shortly.

Each gas turbine can deliver around 30 MW, totaling approximately 180 MW, and will be able to provide the equivalent power needed to supply nearly 70,000 Saudi homes.

“Given the peak demands we experience during the summer, especially in the desert terrains, we must increase our capacity quickly and efficiently," said CEO Ziyad Al Shiha.

"By enhancing our fleet with proven technology from GE, we will be prepared for this summer’s power needs and able to manage the rising demand even in isolated areas of the grid," he added.

“GE offers a wide range of fast power solutions for a variety of circumstances that call for rapid, reliable power generation. These solutions help drive the seamless operations of the power plants, especially during the summer months when energy demand is at its peak," said Mohammed Mohaisen, President & CEO of Gas Power Systems, Middle East and North Africa for GE Power.