Powering a country: Algeria sustains power throughout the hot summer months with help from GEGE’s largest-ever order for TM2500+* mobile gas turbine generators provides summertime relief

LocationAlgeria

ProductGE’s TM2500+ gas turbine generator

StoryWith a great need for additional power, a consortium of GE and Power Projects Company (an affiliate of METKA) partnered in a series of contracts with SPE, the power generation subsidiary of Sonelgaz to supply 38 trailer-mounted TM2500+* aeroderivative gas turbine generators to deliver fast, flexible and reliable power to Algeria during the summers of 2013/2014.

SituationThe heat in Africa can be unbearable and power sources are often tapped to their limits. Algeria has faced a drastic need for more power, particularly during the hot summer months.

Over the last three years, SPE, the power generation subsidiary of Sonelgaz partnered with GE and Power Projects Company (an affiliate of METKA) on contracts providing 38 trailer-mounted TM2500+ aeroderivative gas turbine generators and associated Balance of Plant to provide reliable and fast power to all regions in Algeria. The first contract in 2012, worth $186 million, supplied 6 TM2500+ units and a second contract worth $800 million provided an additional 24 TM2500+ units to Sonelgaz. That agreement marks the largest order GE has ever received for its TM2500 technology. More units were booked in late 2013, valued at $228 million.

The 38 TM2500+ gas turbine generators produce more than 760 megawatts of power for the northern districts of M’Sila and F’krina, and other areas in Algeria. The units were commissioned, delivered and operational in time to meet the 2013 and 2014 summer peak electricity demand. It was a challenge, thanks to customs issues, negotiations, time zones, travel and multiple edits to plans. However, the GE team solved problems creatively, collectively and professionally. Their commitment took a massive project from four months to four weeks.

* Trademark of the General Electric Company

As global power needs increase, traditional, large-scale utility companies that power major metropolitan hubs are now joined by independent power producers who want the ability to generate their own reliable, long-term power, where and when they need it. This can be an immediate service that helps quickly bridge the power gap during blackouts, energy shortages, or even natural disasters.

GE Power & WaterDistributed Power

“Working with trusted and experienced partners like GE and METKA gives us the confidence that these important projects will be completed successfully and on time,” said Mr. Nabil Kafi, CEO of SPE.

Known throughout the industry as GE’s “power plant on wheels,” the TM2500+ is a key member of GE’s portfolio of innovative distributed power solutions, which gives customers of all types—from temporary, emergency power to industrial businesses, to developing communities, to local and national governments—the ability to generate reliable, long-term power whenever and wherever it is needed. Mobility is key also, as the units can support the grid and relocate to meet seasonal peaks in weather.

The continuously improved TM2500+ offers a 31% increase in power in a more compact footprint with less time than ever between contract and commissioning than previous models. It is capable of producing up to 31 megawatts of power and can achieve full power in less than 10 minutes. That makes it perfect for providing a base load bridge to permanent power installations or for generating backup power supporting natural disaster relief, plant shutdowns, or equipment maintenance.

The TM2500+ has a small footprint of 24 m x 7 m (78 ft. x 21 ft.), easily converts from 50 to 60 Hz and is flexible to operate on either natural gas or liquid distillate fuels. It is easy to operate and maintain, and has low NOx emissions with demineralized water injection of 25 ppm (gas)/42 ppm (liquid). The generator is packaged on a two-trailer system with a top-mounted air inlet filter and exhaust assemblies, and as a result, requires 77% less space than its predecessor. Both the inlet filter assembly and the exhaust duct are mounted directly on top of the mail trailer assembly, making the TM2500+ easily transported by ship, air, or road to the most remote locations around the globe.

“With best-in-class efficiency and operator flexibility, the TM2500+ aeroderivative gas turbines will demonstrate how on-site power technology can help ensure the availability of electricity for municipal and industrial customers throughout Algeria,” said Lorraine Bolsinger, president and CEO – GE Power & Water’s Distributed Power.

"In addition to addressing our urgent power needs for the hot summer months, longer term, this will support Algeria’s power generation investment plan to add 12 gigawatts of power by 2017.” - Mr. Nabil Kafi, CEO of SPE.

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GE Power & Water, LLC is a subsidiary of the General Electric Company. The brand, logo and lumination are trademarks of the General Electric Company. © 2014 GE Power & Water, LLC. Information provided is subject to change without notice.

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Solutions

KEY TECHNICAL DATA

Number of units 38 x TM2500+ gas turbine generator sets

Output Approx. 22.5 MWe per unit at site conditions, in total about 850 MWe

Fuel type Natural gas or liquid distillate fuel

Emissions 25 ppm (gas)/42 ppm (liquid), with H2O injection

Footprint 78' x 21' (24m x 7m)

Noise level 90 dBA

Frequency 50 Hz

Mobility Trailer mounted

Timing The first 6 units were commissioned in 2012, with 24 additional units between April-June 2013, and 8 generator sets commissioned in August 2014.

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